The Embedded Linux Security Handbook

Written by Linux and open-source expert Matt St. Onge, this definitive guide helps you build and secure Linux-based appliances capable of withstanding the latest cyber threats

All formats include a free PDF and an invitation to the Embedded System Professionals community

Key Features

• Develop secure, user-friendly interfaces with streamlined configuration, updates, and life cycle support
• Learn how to integrate popular security techniques for embedded Linux into the development process
• Integrate advanced hardware with software security features to enhance your solution’s resilience
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

As embedded Linux systems power countless devices in our daily lives, they’ve become prime targets for cyberattacks. In this in-depth guide to safeguarding your Linux devices, the author leverages his 30+ years of technology experience to help you mitigate the risks associated with hardware and software vulnerabilities.

This book introduces you to the world of embedded systems, the brains behind your everyday appliances. It takes you through the different types of embedded systems, their uses, and the platforms they run on, while addressing their unique security challenges and support considerations. You’ll learn how to build a successful, secure, and user-friendly solution by exploring the critical hardware and software components that form the foundation of a secure appliance. We won't forget the human element either; you'll find out how to configure your system to prevent user errors and maintain its integrity. The book lets you put your newfound knowledge into action, guiding you through designing a robust build chain that supports the entire life cycle of your appliance solution, enabling seamless updates without your direct involvement.

By the end of this book, you’ll be able to adapt your appliance to the ever-evolving threat landscape, ensuring its continued security and functionality in real-world conditions.

What you will learn

• Understand how to determine the optimal hardware platform based on design criteria
• Recognize the importance of security by design in embedded systems
• Implement advanced security measures such as TPM, LUKS encryption, and Secure Boot processes
• Discover best practices for secure life cycle management, including appliance update and upgrade mechanisms
• Create a secure software supply chain efficiently
• Implement childproofing by controlling access and resources on the appliance

Who this book is for

This book helps embedded systems professionals, embedded software engineers, and Linux security professionals gain the skills needed to address critical security requirements during the design, development, and testing of software for embedded systems. If you’re a product manager or architect, this book will teach you how to identify and integrate essential security features based on the specific platforms and their intended users.

Table of Contents

1. Welcome to the Cyber Security Landscape
2. Security Starts at the Design Table
3. Applying Design Requirements Criteria - Hardware Selection
4. Applying Design Requirements Criteria - the Operating System
5. Basic Needs in My Build Chain
6. Disk Encryption
7. The Trusted Platform Module
8. Boot, BIOS, and Firmware Security
9. Image-Based Deployments
10. Childproofing the Solution: Protection from the End-User and Their Environment
11. Knowing the Threat Landscape - Staying Informed
12. Are My Devices' Communications and Interactions Secure?

(N.B. Please use the Read Sample option to see further chapters)

Matt St. Onge is an Associate Principal Solutions Architect at Red Hat, focused on providing enablement through their Embedded Systems partner program. Since 2015, his activities at Red Hat have ranged from best practices sessions to design reviews and even leading rapid prototyping workshops. Matt has assisted hundreds of product teams over the past decade in building quality, secure Linux appliances. Matt has been active in the open source and Linux communities for over 30 years by contributing to solutions via GitHub, creating new projects for the benefit of the embedded systems community, and hosting webinars and user group meetings. When not building solutions in the lab, Matt can be found hiking with his dog in the mountains, golfing, or cooking elaborate meals on the grill for his extended family.