Kaspersky, a leading cybersecurity company, has taken a significant step in enhancing its Embedded Systems Security product by introducing support for Linux. This move allows the adaptable and multi-layered solution to provide optimized security for embedded Linux-based systems, devices, and scenarios, while adhering to stringent regulatory standards often applicable to these systems. With this development, Kaspersky offers optimum protection for all devices it safeguards, regardless of their power level, effectively shielding them against the latest cyber threats targeting Linux systems in today’s digital landscape.
According to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, the global Linux market was valued at 5.33 billion US dollars in 2021, a figure expected to soar to 22.15 billion US dollars by 2029, boasting a compound annual growth rate of 19.8%. Linux’s cost-competitive nature and its compatibility with a wide range of hardware have contributed to its rising popularity in commercial embedded systems, particularly in large enterprises handling critical infrastructure such as banks, retail firms, and healthcare organizations. As the adoption of Linux continues to grow exponentially, it has garnered the attention of cybercriminals who are now devising specialized malware to target these platforms. In the first half of 2023 alone, Kaspersky detected over 14.5 million network-based automated attacks on Linux, highlighting the pressing need for businesses to bolster the security of their Linux-based embedded devices.
Kaspersky’s new range of cyber-protection functions caters to the unique requirements of embedded platforms based on Linux. The comprehensive protection not only covers autonomous embedded devices like ATMs and vending machines but also extends to systems with higher power levels such as computerized PoS and medical systems, which face increased attack surfaces. The multi-layered approach allows for flexible configurations and deployment scenarios, ensuring optimized performance and tailored protection for each specific use case, effectively mitigating the risks associated with direct infection attacks on publicly accessible devices. Kaspersky’s self-protection capabilities and Integrity Monitoring functionality add an extra layer of defense, preventing attacks that exploit unsolicited peripherals, unauthorized applications, and illegal tools. Additionally, the product’s integration with third-party SIEM capabilities aids businesses in meeting compliance requirements and maintaining accountability for handling valuable and sensitive financial and personal data under regulations like PCI/DSS, SWIFT CSCF, and HIPAA.
Oleg Gorobets, Senior Global Product Marketing Manager at Kaspersky, emphasized the significance of their specialized solution for Linux-based embedded systems security. While the market for protecting Linux-based devices has been limited compared to Windows-based solutions, Kaspersky recognizes the growing adoption of Linux platforms among hardware systems manufacturers and developers. To address the increasing demand for Linux-based embedded systems security, the company has incorporated the specialized solution into its Kaspersky Embedded Systems Security product, offering it for free. This allows businesses to adopt new Linux devices seamlessly, even alongside older Windows machines, ensuring that security is not compromised. Kaspersky has thoroughly tested and tailored the Linux-based security application within its product to suit the specific needs of Linux-based embedded platforms, enabling customers to benefit from powerful yet cost-effective architectures while maintaining a robust security posture.
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