Signal processing is the mathematical manipulation of audio, radio, sensor, or other data streams to change how they look, sound, or behave. It includes filtering noise, detecting patterns, compressing data, and generating effects. In embedded systems and audio hardware, signal processing is what turns raw input into a usable output, whether that is a guitar effect, a voice command, or a telemetry reading.
In cybersecurity, signal processing matters because attackers and defenders both rely on it. Malware may process microphone input, hide data in audio or RF signals, or alter samples to evade detection. Defenders use signal processing in intrusion detection, spam filtering, malware analysis, and anomaly detection, where timing, frequency, and pattern changes can reveal suspicious activity. For security reviewers, understanding signal processing helps explain how a device interprets data and where small algorithmic differences can affect trust, reliability, and detection.