An embedded system is a specialized computing system designed to perform a dedicated function as part of a larger device or physical system. Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded systems are built to support a specific mission such as controlling sensors, actuators, communications, or device logic in products like routers, printers, medical devices, vehicles, industrial controllers, and smart appliances. Cybersecurity documentation commonly highlights that embedded systems tend to operate with constrained resources, which may include limited CPU power, memory, storage, and user interface capabilities. These constraints affect both design and security: patching may be harder, logging may be minimal, and security features must be carefully engineered to fit the platform’s limitations.
Option C best matches this characterization by describing a small form factor and limited processing power, which are typical attributes of many embedded devices. While not every embedded system is “small,” the key idea is that it is purpose-built, resource-constrained, and tightly integrated into a larger product.
The other options describe different concepts. A secure underground facility relates to physical site security, not embedded computing. Being hard to remove is about physical installation or tamper resistance, which can apply to many systems but is not what defines “embedded.” Storing cryptographic keys in a tamper-resistant external device describes a hardware security module or secure element use case, not the general definition of an embedded system.
