What happened
MITRE has released the Embedded Systems Threat Matrix™ (ESTM), a new cybersecurity framework designed to help organizations identify and defend against threats targeting embedded systems used in critical infrastructure and defense technologies. The framework was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force’s Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapon Systems (CROWS) and is based on MITRE’s proven ATT&CK® methodology, tailored specifically for the unique threat landscape of embedded environments.
Who is affected
The ESTM framework applies to a broad range of sectors that depend on embedded systems, including transportation, energy, healthcare, industrial control systems (ICS), and robotics. Security professionals, device vendors, system integrators, and researchers working with mission-critical embedded technologies are the primary audiences expected to leverage this framework.
Why CISOs should care
Embedded systems are integral to modern critical infrastructure and often lack the robust defenses found in traditional IT environments. As cyber threats targeting firmware, hardware, and specialized control systems grow more sophisticated, CISOs need structured guidance to understand adversary techniques and integrate defensive measures. The ESTM offers actionable insights to improve risk assessment, design secure systems, and align embedded security efforts with broader enterprise programs.
3 practical actions
- Integrate ESTM into threat modeling: Incorporate the ESTM framework into existing risk assessment and threat modeling processes to better map embedded-specific tactics and techniques against your systems.
- Collaborate with engineering and vendors: Work closely with hardware and firmware engineering teams and device suppliers to apply ESTM insights during design and procurement, reducing vulnerabilities early in the lifecycle.
- Enhance security testing and monitoring: Use ESTM’s guidance to inform testing scenarios and monitoring strategies for embedded and ICS environments, ensuring defenses address both current and emerging threat vectors.