Udy Hershkovitz
Intel (Israel)
The Dark Side of Security, and How to Make It (Little) Brighter
Security is not a binary state—it's a complex ecosystem of trade-offs, especially in embedded systems with limited resources. As cyber threats evolve, we're caught in a paradox: implementing robust security mechanisms can inadvertently create new vulnerabilities and performance bottlenecks. This presentation reveals the hidden costs of security implementations through concrete, real-world case studies from embedded system architectures. Drawing from extensive field research, I'll demonstrate how well-intentioned security layers can reduce system performance significantly and introduce unexpected complexity that compromises the very systems we aim to protect. Participants will gain insights into: • Quantifying the true operational cost of security mechanisms • Identifying performance degradation points in security implementations • Developing adaptive strategies that balance security integrity with system efficiency The session offers a pragmatic framework for security professionals, system architects, and engineers struggling with the delicate balance between comprehensive protection and system performance. By challenging conventional security wisdom, attendees will learn how to make smarter, more nuanced security design choices. This is not just a technical discussion—it's a strategic approach to reimagining security in resource-constrained environments, transforming security from a potential liability to a strategic advantage.
