Trustworthy Systems

Secure embedded systems need microkernels

Authors

Gernot Heiser

NICTA, Sydney, Australia
UNSW, Australia

Abstract

The immense popularity of all sorts of electronic devices means that they have become an integral part of our lives; it is becoming difficult to imagine living without them. In the process, they are increasingly trusted with sensitive data, the loss of which can cause serious distress or financial harm. Security is therefore becoming a significant issue. Yet, as we know from the PC world, commodity computer systems are not well-defended against security threats. In this article we examine the security threats facing embedded systems, and what needs to be done to make them secure.

BibTeX Entry

  @article{Heiser_05,
    author           = {Gernot Heiser},
    journal          = {USENIX ;login:},
    month            = dec,
    number           = {6},
    pages            = {9--13},
    paperurl         = {https://trustworthy.systems/publications/papers/Heiser_05.pdf},
    title            = {Secure Embedded Systems Need Microkernels},
    volume           = {30},
    year             = {2005}
  }

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