Multi-layered cyber defenses protect connected cars

Details: Released: 14.06.2019; Last updated: 10.08.2023; Hits: 4161

The mobility industry is moving rapidly towards the so-called era of "smart mobility", which in principle will also mean networked and sometimes even completely autonomous driving. Mitsubishi Electric develops multi-layer cyber defense technology for connected cars in the age of dynamically developing smart mobility.

Vehicles are increasingly equipped with communication functions and rely on connections to the Internet or to mobile devices such as smartphones. In most modern vehicles, a main unit is already installed today, which controls the most diverse processes - such as the various driver assistance systems. In networked and autonomous driving, the main unit communicates with other vehicles and databases via the Internet. This makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks and even to malicious remote control.

Robust security features

Mitsubishi Electrics Information Technology R&D Center in Japan has now developed a multi-layered defense system based on many years of expertise in the development of security systems for critical infrastructure, which protects networked vehicles from cyber attacks with a variety of robust security functions.

The newly developed technology blocks corrupt access attempts by, for example, a high-performance intrusion detection system and a secure boot technology, the "Fast Secure Boot," which quickly verifies software integrity during the boot process. It ensures safe booting while powering up the main unit and thus the software integrity of all vehicle systems - at a comparatively higher speed and lower processor load than conventional safety systems.

High computational load required

Conventional attack detections must inspect so-called packets to identify specific attack commands that require high-computational processing. Mitsubishi Electrics cyber attack detection technology is designed for general purpose IT systems that identify such attacks. The technology has now been applied to vehicle equipment to enable detection of advanced cyber attacks without heavy load processing.

Electric vehicles worldwide wireless charging with open standards

The Fast Secure Boot security feature also makes it possible to verify the integrity of the software during the boot process. A conventional secure boot has the disadvantage that the processing time takes a relatively long time because the entire software has to be loaded and verified. To solve this problem, the company reduced the amount of data to verify by focusing on the essential parts of the software, resulting in less than 10% of the boot time of traditional technology.

Adaptation of critical infrastructure

Mitsubishi Electric's new multi-layered defense thus achieves robust vehicle safety by strengthening the security features of the main unit, the vehicle's main link to the Internet. The developed technology has been adapted for vehicle systems that have limited machine resources from a multi-layered defense that originated from applications in critical infrastructure, such as systems for electricity, natural gas, water, chemicals and petroleum.

Kettcar for adults creates a range of up to 200 km

Smart Mobility in the focus of the MES Expo

As a rapidly developing sector, smart mobility in particular has great significance for the company. Between the 5. and 7. In November, the German branch will present visions and concrete solutions during the brand new international exhibition Mobility Electronics Suppliers Expo (MES Expo) at the Berlin fair. Innovative mobility solutions ranging from state-of-the-art traction technology, high-precision positioning systems to trailblazing vehicle concepts with a focus on safety, reliability, comfort and sustainability will be at the center.