In 2025, cybersecurity isn’t just the IT department’s problem – it’s front and center for system engineers responsible for complex, interconnected systems. Today’s modern threats can ripple through a network of components, turning a single vulnerability into a system-wide crisis. System engineers must design with security in mind from day one. In fact, cybersecurity is now a critical aspect of system engineering – system engineers “must implement security measures, monitor threats, and ensure data protection”.
Whether you’re working on an industrial control system, an autonomous vehicle, or a cloud-based service, understanding how to protect complex systems from evolving cyber attacks has become a core skill. This article explores why cybersecurity knowledge is essential for system engineers, outlines the threats you need to know, and shows how you can build security into your engineering practice (and your career).
The Evolving Threat Landscape for Complex Systems
Complex systems – from smart grids and manufacturing plants to intelligent transportation and military systems – have never been more at risk.
Attackers today have an array of techniques to target vulnerabilities in system architectures. One weak link is all it takes: an unsecured component or outdated software module can serve as the entry point for a much larger exploit, endangering the entire system.
For example, a single compromised IoT sensor in a network of thousands could allow ransomware to spread or give attackers a foothold in a critical infrastructure network. Modern adversaries, including organized cybercriminals and nation-state actors, specifically look for these openings in complex “systems-of-systems.” They exploit the fact that many legacy systems “weren’t designed with contemporary security considerations in mind”, making it a significant challenge to bolt on protections after the fact.
Some of the modern threats system engineers face include:
Ransomware and Extortion: Cybercriminals are now using ransomware to hijack not just data but operational technology – there’s a “heightened risk that ransomware will be used to hijack the Internet of Things" online and other connected devices. In a complex system, ransomware on one subsystem (like a factory sensor network) can halt an entire production line.
Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers target the software or hardware supply chain, inserting malicious components or code before a system even goes online. For system engineers, a tainted third-party library or a compromised firmware update can introduce vulnerabilities deep in your system. The 2020 SolarWinds incident showed how trust in a supplier can be turned against thousands of customers.
Insider Threats and Human Error: Not all threats are external. A disgruntled employee or an engineer unintentionally misconfiguring a system can create openings for attacks. Complex systems often have many users and administrators; one misconfiguration or leaked credential can cascade into a major breach.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): These are stealthy, skilled attackers (often state-sponsored) who infiltrate systems and remain undetected, sometimes for months, while they map out and exploit the system’s weaknesses. APTs might target a power grid or defense system, aiming to quietly compromise multiple subsystems and then launch sabotage at a critical moment.
This evolving landscape means system engineers must be proactive. It’s no longer enough to assume the corporate security team will handle it – if you design or manage a complex system, you need to anticipate these threats.
Building Security into System Design (Security by Design)
The best way to protect a system is to embed security from the start – an approach often called “secure by design.” For system engineers, this means incorporating security considerations into every phase of the engineering lifecycle, from initial requirements through design, implementation, and testing. Instead of treating security as an add-on, it becomes a fundamental design parameter (just like performance or usability).
Key practices of security-focused system engineering include:
Threat Modeling: Early in design, systematically think like an attacker. What are the critical assets in your system (data, control capabilities)? How could someone maliciously abuse or disable the system? By asking questions such as “What can go wrong?” and “How can we mitigate it?” during design, you identify potential vulnerabilities before they’re built in. Threat modeling is essentially risk analysis for engineers that guides you to put countermeasures in place for high-risk scenarios.
Secure Architecture Principles: Incorporate principles like least privilege (each component or user has only the access needed and nothing more), defense in depth (multiple layers of defense so if one layer is breached, others still protect), and fail-safe defaults (systems default to secure states). For instance, design your network so a breach in one segment doesn’t grant access to all others, and ensure if a component fails, it doesn’t fail in an unsafe or insecure way.
Use of Standards and Frameworks: Align with security frameworks like NIST’s systems security engineering guidelines (e.g. NIST SP 800-160) or industry-specific standards (ISO 26262 for automotive, IEC 62443 for industrial control, etc.). These provide best practices and structured processes for integrating security into systems engineering. You don’t need every detail memorized, but being aware of these standards ensures you’re not overlooking important safeguards.
DevSecOps and Continuous Testing: In modern development, integrate security into DevOps (DevSecOps). Automate security checks in your build and deployment pipeline – for example, static code analysis, vulnerability scanning, or penetration testing of components with each release. If you’re deploying firmware or software updates to a system, have automated tests that verify no new security holes are introduced. Refonte Learning’s Cybersecurity & DevSecOps program, for example, teaches engineers how to build these practices so that security becomes a continuous part of development rather than a one-time audit.
By building security in, you significantly reduce the attack surface of your system. It’s much harder for an attacker to succeed when, for example, every interface is authenticated and encrypted, every component only does what it’s supposed to, and there are alarms for unusual behavior. Contrast that with trying to add security after deployment – patching holes in a running system is far more expensive and risky. System engineers who adopt a security-by-design mindset help their organizations avoid those frantic “patch it now” situations and the potential disasters that can follow a breach.
Practical Tips for System Engineers to Enhance Security
Keeping complex systems secure might sound daunting, but there are concrete steps you can take in your day-to-day work:
Keep Software and Firmware Updated: Ensure that all components of your system are running the latest security patches. Many attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that already have fixes available. As one expert explained, if you don’t run updates, “you’re vulnerable to the latest campaigns and threats” – neglecting updates can leave doors open for attackers. Implement a regular patch management schedule and automate updates where possible (after testing, especially for critical systems).
Implement Robust Monitoring: Design your system with monitoring and logging from the outset. You need to know when something suspicious is happening. Use intrusion detection systems, anomaly detection tools, and ensure all components produce log data that you aggregate and review. For example, if a normally quiet sensor suddenly starts sending large amounts of data at odd hours, your monitoring system should flag that behavior.
Network Segmentation: In complex systems, avoid a flat network where everything talks to everything. Isolate critical subsystems so that if one is compromised, the attacker can’t easily move to others. Use firewalls, VLANs, or micro-segmentation to create security zones. For instance, the control network for factory machines should be segmented from the corporate IT network, with only strictly necessary communication between them.
Regular Security Drills: Practice your response to security incidents. Conduct drills such as simulated attacks or red-team/blue-team exercises on your system. This helps you find weak points and ensures the team knows how to respond under pressure. Similarly, include security scenarios in testing – e.g., verify that an unauthorized command is properly rejected, or simulate a denial-of-service on a network link to see if the system fails gracefully.
Continuous Education and Collaboration: Cyber threats evolve quickly, so make ongoing learning part of your routine. Stay updated on relevant vulnerabilities (subscribe to security advisories for the platforms you use) and emerging attack techniques. Encourage a culture of security among all engineering team members – sometimes a simple tip from a colleague (like “hey, we should not use the default password on that device”) can prevent a breach. Refonte Learning frequently hosts webinars and publishes resources on current cyber threats and defenses, which can be a great way to keep learning. Remember, security is a team sport – collaborate with cybersecurity specialists and be open to their recommendations.
By following these practices, system engineers create a strong defensive posture around their projects. The goal isn’t zero risk (that’s impossible) but managed risk and resilience – even if an incident occurs, it’s contained and the system can recover quickly. A security-conscious system engineer doesn’t just react to threats, they anticipate and neutralize them as part of the design and maintenance process.
FAQ
Q1: What is the biggest cybersecurity risk in complex systems?
A1: Often it’s the unknown weak link – a component or interface you didn’t realize was exposed. It might be an outdated software library, an open debug port, or a default credential that wasn’t changed. Attackers will find the easiest way in, so system engineers must cover all bases. Regular system audits and threat modeling help uncover these weak links before attackers do.
Q2: How is securing a cyber-physical system different from standard IT security?
A2: Cyber-physical systems (like power grids, industrial controls, or medical devices) have a major safety component – a cyber attack can cause physical harm or service outages. So beyond protecting data, system engineers focus on reliability and fail-safes. These systems often have long-lived, legacy components that can’t be easily patched, requiring special isolation and monitoring. Downtime for updates might be limited too. In short, security for cyber-physical systems is about safety and continuity, not just information confidentiality.
Q3: I’m a software-focused system engineer – do I really need deep cybersecurity knowledge?
A3: You don’t need to become a full-time security guru, but some cybersecurity knowledge is now essential. Understanding common vulnerabilities (like injection attacks or buffer overflows) and knowing secure coding practices will make your designs much safer. Think of it this way: just as you consider performance or scalability, you need to consider security. The good news is there are plenty of resources to get you started without overwhelming you. A focused course (like Refonte Learning’s cybersecurity for engineers program) can teach you the fundamentals relevant to system design.
Q4: What should I do if I suspect a security breach in the system I manage?
A4: Follow your organization’s incident response plan – typically, contain the breach (isolate affected parts of the system), then inform your security team or management immediately. As a system engineer, use your knowledge of the system to help identify what might have been compromised (check logs, see which components are behaving oddly). Be ready to implement workarounds or failovers to keep critical functions running. After containment, you’ll work with security specialists to remediate (patch vulnerabilities, change credentials) and then improve defenses so it doesn’t happen again.
Q5: How can I improve my cybersecurity skills as a system engineer?
A5: You can start by taking a specialized cybersecurity course for engineers (Refonte Learning offers an excellent program). Also consider earning a certification like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP once you’ve built a foundation. Most importantly, apply what you learn on real projects or lab simulations – hands-on practice is the best way to cement your knowledge.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The world of system engineering and cybersecurity are now inextricably linked. As systems grow more complex and more connected, the potential impact of cyber threats grows too.
The good news is that system engineers, with their holistic understanding of how complex parts fit together, are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in defending these systems. By weaving cybersecurity into the fabric of design and maintenance, you don’t just protect data – you protect lives, infrastructure, and crucial services that modern society depends on.
For system engineers and aspiring professionals, upskilling in cybersecurity is one of the best career moves you can make in 2025. It not only makes you a guardian of your organization’s systems but also significantly boosts your professional value.
And you don’t have to go it alone. Refonte Learning offers tailored courses and hands-on training in Cybersecurity and DevSecOps specifically designed for engineers, along with mentorship from industry experts. Now is the time to take action: strengthen your systems, expand your skills, and become the security-focused engineer that today’s tech world urgently needs. Secure your systems – and your future – with the right knowledge and support from Refonte Learning.