1. What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity includes network software security, network device security, and network information security, which refers to protecting the hardware, software, and data in network systems from accidental or malicious changes, destruction, or leakage, ensuring that the system can operate reliably, continuously, and normally, with uninterrupted network services. For example, certain official websites may be subjected to ARP attacks, etc. The essence of this technology is based on understanding a certain aspect of network communication (especially the TCP/IP protocol) on the Internet, using corresponding computer technology or other software to fix bugs in network communication. For instance, the application of firewalls in computers or detecting vulnerabilities in various applications. Once vulnerabilities are detected, they primarily need to be handed over to the corresponding developers to fix the bugs.
2. Comparison of the Nature of Work in Embedded Systems and Cybersecurity:
Embedded technology is applied in products across various industries, focusing on designing and developing new application-oriented products. The knowledge framework required is more comprehensive. For example, in smart agriculture, from collecting data from each sensor at the field level to collecting and transmitting data from each planting area, to large-scale cloud server image analysis and guidance. Embedded technology participates in all these processes, from low-level sensor data collection, intermediate local area network communication, to results being transmitted to servers over wide area networks, where embedded image processing is done to derive big data, with each link requiring redesign and new product development based on the current scenario.
Cybersecurity is also reflected in embedded products. For example, when we upload data to the cloud, we ensure the security and stability of the data. However, these core R&D technologies are implemented by network algorithm engineers. As embedded engineers, we focus on the overall product details, while communication security is directly utilized by us, whereas network security engineers primarily work in this area, using corresponding software tools to test and detect whether the communication algorithms have bugs or pose risks to customers. They need to master the management and maintenance of mainstream servers, network applications, etc., understand common system risk analysis, common network attack methods, summarize and report, and finally have other R&D engineers solve the fundamental issues.
3. Comparison of Directions in Embedded Systems and Cybersecurity:
With the close integration of electronic products and traditional industries, along with the incorporation of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, embedded products are in a rising phase, with a large number of traditional products waiting to be upgraded, resulting in high demand. Currently, companies are in need of skilled technical R&D personnel. Cybersecurity has been emphasized as very important for over a decade. Many people pursue certifications, as otherwise, their skills may not be recognized. Thus, it is not just about technical capability; it also involves how well you can memorize relevant guidelines and knowledge points, which can be relatively rigid and does not foster innovation. While cybersecurity is indeed important in this era of interconnected devices, if you are merely maintaining and managing the network to prevent security incidents, the work can become tiring over time, as the core cybersecurity aspects are just tools you use to patch vulnerabilities rather than solving the root issues from a development perspective.
As embedded product developers, we often encounter communication encryption and cybersecurity issues. We generally modify the data protocols at the low level or change channels to resolve fundamental problems.
4. Comparison of Market Demand:
With the close integration of electronic products and traditional industries, embedded systems are relevant to almost all sectors, including construction with smart buildings, agriculture with intelligent farming, and the automotive industry, which has transformed from simple mechanical devices into technologically advanced electronic products, leading to high demand.
In contrast, small companies typically do not hire cybersecurity engineers separately; they tend to resolve network issues internally. Large companies have clear divisions of labor, where you may only work on a specific part, resulting in lower demand compared to embedded systems and relatively monotonous tasks.
5. Development Prospects:
Embedded systems will remain in a state of R&D, allowing you to accumulate valuable experience by the time you return to your hometown in your 30s, with competitive salaries. You may even envision a good product that you can design, produce, and sell yourself, enjoying various successes through research and innovation.
Cybersecurity does have demand, but it has a relatively lower technical barrier. Anyone with some computer knowledge can learn the necessary tools and risk assessment knowledge to get started. However, the experience gained may be less applicable when returning to their hometown, where there may not be as many relevant companies as in other places.
Many cybersecurity training programs and certifications focus on network testing, maintenance, and base station management, which often require frequent travel, offer lower salaries, and have limited career advancement.
In contrast, training in embedded system development truly equips you for R&D roles, such as CPU development or Linux driver development, without the need for travel, with higher starting salaries and increasing demand!
Therefore, students should choose their direction based on their major and career positioning!
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