Security by Design/Default Isn’t Optional Anymore: How Embedded Device Teams Can Get Ahead

For connected device manufacturers, the secure-by-design movement is no longer just best practice; it’s becoming a regulatory mandate.

From the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) to the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, product teams are being asked to embed security earlier, prove due diligence, and maintain transparency throughout the device lifecycle. For many organizations, aligning security with engineering workflows—without slowing velocity—is still a work in progress.

That’s where Finite State’s Services team comes in.

“Too often, we see teams wait until the product is either ‘done’, or nearly done, to think about security. By then, it’s too late or too expensive to fix the design flaws. That’s why secure-by-design has to start well before the first commit.” - Larry Pesce, VP of Services.

How We Help Teams Build Securely from Day One

Finite State Services offers hands-on support at every stage of the secure product lifecycle. Our experts don’t just run tests, they become an extension of your security and engineering teams to:

• Model risks early: Identify high-risk components, threat actors, and attack vectors based on your device’s technology stack and real-world usage.
  
• Validate architecture and design: Review firmware layouts, APIs, communication stacks, and third-party dependencies for inherent risks.
  
• Embed security into DevSecOps: Align vulnerability triage, SBOM management, and testing workflows with your CI/CD pipeline.
  
• Map efforts to regulation: Build a product security program that aligns with EU CRA, CE RED, Cyber Trust Mark, FDA 524B, and more.

Why It Matters

Get ahead of regulation
Governments around the world are mandating the adoption of secure-by-design and secure-by-default principles. Proactive engagement builds security expertise and efficiencies throughout the product lifecycle, reducing compliance risk and audit fatigue.

Reduce risk before code is written
Design-level reviews catch systemic issues that are hard—or impossible—to fix later.

Align security with engineering
Our Services team speaks both security and development. We work with teams to bridge the gap between security goals and engineering realities.

Improve trust with stakeholders
A secure-by-design/secure-by-default methodology builds trust with customers, partners, and regulators—leading to faster approvals and better business outcomes.

Start Building Securely—Today

Whether you’re building from scratch, modernizing a legacy device, planning for international compliance, or looking to advance your security program, Finite State can help you embed security into every layer of your product strategy.

Download our Services Data Sheet to learn more or schedule your first advisory session today.