Collabify’s Role in Embedded Security Hardening and Cloud-Native Delivery at Scale

Client Overview

Industry: Telecommunications (5G Infrastructure)
Project Length: Short-term, high-pressure engagement
Services Provided: DevSecOps Security Consulting, CI/CD Pipeline Automation, Embedded Systems Security

The Challenge

A fast-paced telecom startup was building a 5G internet delivery platform for a major US carrier. Operating under tight time constraints, the client faced challenges in:

• Scaling DevSecOps practices to support rapid delivery and regulatory compliance
• Securing embedded systems and microservice deployments within the same architecture
• Meeting strict authentication and security requirements defined by the end client

The internal team lacked dedicated DevSecOps maturity and required specialist support to harden infrastructure, introduce automation, and integrate external authentication systems.

Collabify’s Approach

Collabify was engaged to provide targeted expertise across security, automation, and delivery pipelines. The engagement focused on both embedded device security and cloud-native microservices, ensuring alignment between these environments.

1. Security Hardening Across Layers

• Hardened the embedded Linux-based system using PAM and RADIUS authentication, integrating it with OpenAM for scalable, external identity management
• Identified and mitigated unnecessary services, exposed ports, and insecure packages to reduce the attack surface
• Contributed to device-level DDOS mitigation strategies, with long-term plans to eliminate direct SSH access

2. Scalable Authentication & Compliance

• Integrated OpenAM as the end-client’s mandated authentication platform
• Implemented OAuth2 and RADIUS protocols for both device access and web-based management interfaces
• Ensured compatibility with internal security requirements and positioned the platform for future audit-readiness

3. Automated CI/CD Pipelines for Secure Delivery

• Built a repeatable Debian software packaging pipeline using GitHub Actions
• Enabled automated versioning, tagging, and delivery of secure images
• Used Terraform and GCP to provision cloud infrastructure supporting lab and test environments
• Supported efforts to introduce vulnerability scanning into the delivery pipeline

4. Architectural Support & Embedded–Cloud Alignment

• Collaborated with internal security architects to align hardening practices across both device and cloud layers
• Navigated architectural constraints, including IPv6 compatibility and lab network expansion limitations caused by Cisco Meraki hardware
• Advised on broader CI/CD process improvements to improve visibility and maintainability

Results & Business Impact

Despite the project's rapid pace and startup-level complexity, Collabify successfully delivered high-impact outcomes:

✅ End-to-end authentication integration across embedded and cloud systems using OpenAM, OAuth2, and RADIUS
✅ Automated infrastructure provisioning and software pipelines for Debian packaging
✅ Security posture improved significantly through PAM hardening, port/service minimization, and pre-deployment checks
✅ Increased delivery confidence with repeatable builds, versioning, and deployment standards
✅ Positive reception from stakeholders, recognizing Collabify’s value in stabilizing and accelerating key components of the system

Lessons Learned & Takeaways

• Startup velocity creates technical debt – Cutting corners for speed introduces complexity and risk that’s costly to fix later
• Security must scale from day one – Especially when deploying embedded systems in consumer environments
• Hybrid infrastructure requires hybrid thinking – Collabify's ability to bridge embedded Linux and Kubernetes ecosystems was key
• Standardized delivery pipelines are critical – Repeatability and automation are foundational to shipping securely at scale

Conclusion

Collabify’s role in this 5G infrastructure project showcased its ability to rapidly introduce DevSecOps best practices, embed scalable authentication, and secure hybrid platforms—from embedded systems to Kubernetes microservices.

This case reinforces Collabify’s capability to deliver security-led automation in high-pressure environments, particularly in sectors where infrastructure, compliance, and speed are all critical to success.