The world of tiny tech is about to get a major security upgrade. The embedded security market, responsible for safeguarding the brains of countless devices, is forecast for phenomenal growth.

Fueled by rising cyber threats, stricter regulations, and the ever-growing need for secure device lifecycles, this market is poised to be a goldmine in the coming years.

A Booming Landscape: Threats, Regulations, and Secure Management

A confluence of factors is propelling the embedded security market to new heights.

• Intensified Threats: Malicious actors are constantly devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. The vast and interconnected landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents a particularly attractive target for these attackers. Embedded security solutions are the first line of defense against such threats.
• Regulatory Push: Governments around the world are enacting stricter regulations to ensure the security of devices and the data they collect. This necessitates robust embedded security solutions to ensure compliance.
• Lifecycle Management: Modern devices have extended lifespans, requiring comprehensive security measures throughout their entire lifecycle – from initial production to eventual decommissioning. Embedded security solutions play a crucial role in safeguarding devices at every stage.

High-End Edge Devices Driving the Revenue Engine

ABI Research, a leading technology intelligence firm, predicts a staggering 12% growth in the embedded secure hardware market by 2028. This translates to a staggering figure of nearly 8 billion secure hardware shipments globally!

But what’s driving this explosive growth?

The answer lies in the rise of high-end edge devices. These powerful, miniaturized computers are increasingly embedded in everything from industrial automation systems to smart homes. They often house complex functionalities like machine learning algorithms, which require top-notch security protection.

Michela Menting, Senior Research Director at ABI Research, highlights the critical role of secure execution environments in safeguarding these sophisticated algorithms. She emphasizes that advancements in virtualization technologies are paving the way for secure containerization and enclaves within these compact devices. This allows for flexible yet secure device management, a key demand in today’s ever-evolving technological landscape.

A Rich Security Ecosystem: From Basic to Cutting-Edge

The embedded security market is a vibrant ecosystem catering to a wide range of needs.

• Simple Security for Everyday Devices: At the lower end of the spectrum, basic functionalities like secure storage, boot processes, and hardware root-of-trust can be addressed with secure elements – tiny chips dedicated to safeguarding essential data.
• High-End Security for Complex Systems: On the other hand, intricate edge devices with embedded operating systems necessitate advanced security measures. These systems often require protection for complex functionalities like machine learning algorithms, demanding secure execution environments.

Menting underscores the significant revenue potential within the high-end segment. Advancements in virtualization technologies are enabling secure containerization and enclaves, offering a solution for managing these complex devices with both flexibility and robust security.

Beyond Traditional Solutions: Open Source and Innovation

The landscape of embedded security is not just about established players and proprietary solutions. The market is witnessing a surge in open-source alternatives and innovative technologies that challenge traditional standards. While this fragmentation can pose challenges regarding interoperability and overall security cohesion, it also signifies an unmet demand that traditional solutions haven’t fully addressed. This opens doors for new entrants and disruptive technologies to revolutionize the embedded security landscape.

A Promising Future: Security for a Connected World

With the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, particularly in the IoT domain, and stricter regulations mandating secure supply chains and end devices, the outlook for the embedded security market is exceptionally promising. As ABI Research aptly concludes, this market presents a wealth of opportunities for those positioned to deliver robust and innovative security solutions for the connected world of tomorrow.

Like this? "Sharing is caring!"