In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become extremely important, especially in the automotive industry where connected vehicles are becoming the norm. Automotive manufacturers face several new cybersecurity threats that can have severe consequences, for example call backs, reputation loss, or even life-threatening situations.
Modern cars heavily rely on firmware and software, making their systems potential entry points for cybercriminals. Additionally, third-party delivered applications and modules, such as navigation and advanced driver-assisted features, can introduce vulnerabilities. Without proper security measures, attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access through third-party assets to other systems.
Cybercriminals can also use brute force methods to gain access to a vehicle’s internal network, potentially compromising critical systems such as alarm systems and autonomous driving. Unauthorized access to service tools or APIs can lead to manipulation of vehicle settings and functions, which may lead to severe safety consequences.
Actions OEMs Should Take to Address These Threats
The previous examples highlight the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the automotive industry to prevent potential threats and protect both vehicles and their users.
To effectively address these threats, OEMs should take several actions. Firstly, they can ensure that all firmware and software systems are secured with cybersecurity management, including security protocols, regular updates, patches, and vulnerability assessments to prevent system attacks, as mandated by UN ECE R 155 and the Cyber Resilience Act. Secondly, OEMs can implement security measures for aftermarket applications, ensuring that activation processes are secure and free from vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and updates are essential to maintain the integrity of these applications.
Additionally, OEMs should employ advanced authentication techniques and secure communication protocols to protect the vehicle’s network from brute force attacks. Continuous monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify and mitigate potential threats. Lastly, OEMs can secure service tools with strong authentication mechanisms and access controls to prevent unauthorized access. Regular security training for personnel and strict access management policies can help safeguard these tools. These actions are crucial for OEMs to effectively address cybersecurity threats and protect their vehicles and users.
Preventing Automotive Cybersecurity Attacks
Infotainment attacks can be prevented through a combination of advanced security measures and best practices. Here are some key strategies that we at Unikie are utilizing:
- Secure Boot and Trusted Execution Environments (TEE): Implementing secure boot mechanisms ensures that only genuine and trusted software runs on the infotainment system. Trusted Execution Environments (TEE) provide a secure area within the main processor to run sensitive operations, protecting them from potential attacks.
- Secure Communication Protocols: Using secure communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, and Ethernet ensure that data transmitted within the vehicle and to external devices is encrypted and protected from interception.
- Cryptography and Secure Key Management: Employing strong cryptographic techniques and secure key management practices protects sensitive data. This includes using hardware security modules (HSM) to store cryptographic keys securely.
- Vulnerability Analysis and Mitigation: Regular vulnerability analysis and mitigation are crucial to identifying and addressing potential security weaknesses. Unikie conducts thorough security assessments and implements measures to mitigate identified vulnerabilities.
- Isolation and Virtualization: Utilizing isolation and virtualization techniques separates critical system components from less secure ones, preventing attackers from gaining access to sensitive areas of the system.
- Software Testing and Quality Assurance: Comprehensive software testing and quality assurance methodologies ensure that the infotainment system is free from security flaws. This includes rigorous testing of both the software and hardware components.
- Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response: Continuous monitoring of the infotainment system for potential security threats is essential. Unikie implements advanced monitoring tools and techniques to detect and respond to security incidents in real-time.
By taking these proactive measures, OEMs can ensure the safety, reliability, and security of their vehicles, protecting both their customers and their brand reputation.
At Unikie, we are committed to developing top-tier security solutions that meet the diverse needs of our automotive clients. Contact us to learn more about services for cybersecurity, tailored for the automotive industry.
