Automotive security
Automotive cybersecurity is an emerging field, but there are already several major security challenges facing automakers. The automotive industry has been slow in adopting the latest technologies for cybersecurity. This is because of the high cost involved with implementing new technology and the fact that most vehicle manufacturers have not yet begun to see the benefits of using it. However, as more vehicles become connected through wireless networks, they will be vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Top three cybersecurity challenges posed by automotive systems:
- Security of critical infrastructures (e.g., engine control units)
- Cyber-physical attack on vehicles
- Data privacy and protection
What are the kinds of automotive security?
There are two types of automotive security: physical security and software security.
Physical security refers to the prevention or detection of unauthorized access to the vehicle’s hardware while software security refers to the prevention of malicious code from being executed within the vehicle.
The first step toward securing your car is to protect its hardware. You can do this by installing tamper-proof components such as smart cards, chip keys, and electronic locks. These prevent any unauthorized person from opening doors, starting engines, or stealing data.
Software security is also important. It helps ensure that the software running on your car does what you want it to do. For example, if you install a navigation system, you should make sure that the map database is updated regularly so that it contains up-to-date information about roads and businesses. If someone tampers with the software, he could cause problems like inaccurate directions or missing routes.
How can we improve your automotive cybersecurity?
First, we need to understand how cars work. We must know how their components communicate with each other. Once we learn these basics, we can begin developing solutions to help secure them.
Second, we need to develop standards for communicating between different parts of the car. For example, when you start your car, the key fob sends a signal to the ignition switch, which then signals the starter motor. But the key fob and ignition switch don’t talk directly to each other. They use a protocol called CAN bus, which means “controller area network.” There are many protocols used in automobiles today, including CAN, OBD II, LIN, FlexRay, and Bluetooth. Each one has strengths and weaknesses, and some are better than others at certain tasks.
Third, we need to build tools to analyze the data produced by our sensors. Sensors collect lots of useful information about your car: speed, location, direction, acceleration, braking, etc. Some of this information is private; for example, you might not want someone else to know where you were last night. Other information is public; for example, you may want to share your location with friends who are following you in real-time.
Finally, we need to test our tools and techniques before deploying them in production. Automakers are beginning to adopt automotive cybersecurity. As a result, we now have tools to detect malware and vulnerabilities in cars. In addition, researchers are working on ways to identify potential threats before they affect a car. Although there is still much research to be done, we’re getting closer to a future where every car will be safer because of advances in automotive cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity solutions from ExterNetworks
ExterNetworks offers a complete line of products and services designed specifically for automotive cybersecurity problems. Our core technologies include intrusion protection, vulnerability assessment, threat intelligence, forensics, and incident response.
Our solutions are based on industry best practices, and we’ve worked closely with manufacturers to develop products that meet their needs.
Our solutions are available as either cloud-based or on-premises options. The cloud-based option provides an easy way to deploy new solutions quickly without having to purchase expensive hardware. On-premises solutions allow you to control access to sensitive information and protect your own systems.
