As we move closer to the reality of truly connected cars, cybersecurity threats have been an increasing concern for automakers. Last September, the International Transportation Innovation Center (ITIC) and Korean firm SK Telecom announced an agreement to co-develop quantum cryptography technologies for vehicles. The Quantum Cryptography System uses quantum physics to create random encryption keys.
What are some of the challenges involved in securing a connected vehicle, compared to securing a traditional device such as a server?
In a vehicle you have a person in the vehicle that can be harmed, so you need to protect particular systems like braking and steering that are linked to driver safety. You need to separate access from safety relevant systems and access to infotainment systems in the vehicle. Advanced driving assistance systems need to be protected. Another aspect of protection is any form of financial transaction you might conduct in a car.
This is why we are developing ITIC as a neutral test bed. We think it is very important that you have multiple system providers testing at the same location for cybersecurity. Ultimately the OEM is responsible, but in this connected approach that's not really clear any longer. You need to have a neutral test bed where all of these different systems are being tested and validated, and that might even require third-party certification.
Why is the encryption technology from SK Telecom better than other methods?
It is a form of encryption that cannot be cracked. If you have a true random number generator, you can generate an encryption scheme that cannot be hacked by anybody. That's the fundamental part.
What are the next steps in the development process?
I think the next step is that we are going to create a group of stakeholders in a consortium that can utilize the ITIC test bed. So we are currently working with SK Telecom to identify stakeholders and organize them by workshops, showcase the test bed, and define the first cybersecurity projects that are going to be involved in that test bed.
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