- Standardized communications platforms protect cars better against hacker attacks
- The Internet Security Days (ISD) in September near Cologne look at topics for safe connected cars
Connected cars are becoming a reality and demand a new security architecture for cars: more and more vehicles are communicating with one another, to optimize traffic flows or to avoid accidents. Gas tanks can be filled and checked using a mobile app, and the car’s exact location can be determined. “There are an increasing number of interfaces in cars through which the vehicles communicate with the outside world,” says Markus Schaffrin, Head of Member Services in eco – Association of the Internet Industry. “The many non-heterogeneous systems increase the risk for vulnerabilities, which cyber criminals are on the look-out for.”
Cars becoming target for cyber criminals
“A central communications system built into the car can substantially contribute to an increased level of security,” Markus Bartsch from TÜV Informationstechnik GmbH recommends. TÜViT is currently investigating the possibilities of a standardized solution that would merge the data from different systems. “In modern vehicles, data accumulates from, for example, the drivetrain, driver assistance systems, infotainment systems or from the chassis electronics and passenger comfort system,” says Bartsch. “Using a central and standardized platform, user profiles can also be defined which regulate what data can even leave the vehicle or can be sent into it.”
Plan cyber security into the construction of cars
Markus Bartsch and further experts will be introducing their concepts for technical solutions for IT security and data protection in the car as part of the Internet Security Days on 28 and 29 September in Cologne. Their approaches could help manufacturers to integrate all-round security into the construction of vehicles: Such Security by Design helps vehicles to defend themselves against cyber attacks. Many solutions also look at the protection of personal passenger data. Privacy by Design ensures that sensitive data stays in the car and may only be processed by manufacturers or service providers in anonymized form and with the appropriate permissions.
As part of the Internet Security Days on 28 and 29 September, in Phantasialand near Cologne, around 600 visitors will come together. Ticket sales have already started, and the Early Bird rate of 15% discount is available until 11 August. eco Members can participate in the ISD 2017 at discounted rates (249 Euro, down from 549 Euro). Member discount codes are available by contacting events@eco.de.
