Vehicle Digital Security

Overview

Traditionally, vehicles are seen as belonging to the mechanical domain, however, in recent decades the amount of electronic hardware and computer systems have dramatically increased. The start of this began in the 70's with the introduction of the electronic engine management systems and since then, vehicles have become a 'multi-connected computerized platform'. Many safety systems in vehicles are now electronic systems such as Electronic Stability systems and Anti-lock brakes and the industry is steadily approaching the time where vehicle-to-vehicle systems will allow for fully autonomous driving. The first step of this process is for vehicles to 'dispose of information provided by road side units (RSUs)' and to become aware of each other, 'thus being able to warn the driver of upcoming dangers early and adequately'.

The current state of in-vehicle network architecture has had no reason to be secured until now. Previously, the control units and buses used for data transfer had not been connected outside of the vehicle; recent attack tests and demonstrations, however, have shown to have a great impact. Research has shown that vehicles are susceptible to specific types of cyber attack that could be used for reasons such as theft, violation of privacy, harm of passengers and/or other road users and misuse of external communication, to name a few.

Aims

The project currently has three main aims, which it hopes to acheive

1. To understand the tools and technqiues used to digital attack and compromise a modern vehicle.

2. To implement and test the methods discovered in the first aim in a secure and controlled manner.

3. To develop some form of security hardware/software that will diinish the risk of cyber attack upon a vehicle.

Partners

Cyber Security Centre - De Montfort University
The Cyber Security Centre (CSC) is a multidisciplinary group of academics and industry experts who focus on a wide variety of cyber security and digital forensics issues. The Centre's mission is to provide the full benefits to all of a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.
The work of the CSC combines a thorough understanding of the real-world digital environment with deep insights into its underlying foundations. From the subtle, technical aspects of network security and live forensics through to the intricate interplay between economics, psychology, policies and practice, the CSC combines expertise across disciplines to produce transformational solutions to hard problems. For more information, please visit www.dmu.ac.uk/csc

Transport iNet's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
The Vehicle Digital Security project is part financed by Loughborough University’s Transport iNet Phase 2 project through the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf