In-Vehicle IoT Security via Embedded Hardware Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle IoT networks are vulnerable to attacks, which can compromise vehicle safety, lead to malicious data access, and result in insecure communications, due to fragmented security approaches that fail to secure the entire system.
Innovation Solution
A device with an embedded hardware security module serves as a trusted authority within the in-vehicle IoT network, providing root of trust functionality, performing security functions such as node verification and user authorization, and ensuring secure data storage and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device with embedded hardware security module serves as a trusted authority, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated security device with embedded hardware security module as an intermediary trusted authority between the vehicle host and IoT network. This mediator handles all security-critical operations including key generation, storage, and verification, isolating complexity from the main vehicle systems while providing centralized security management across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments security functions into distinct modular components: the vehicle host, the security device with hardware security module, and individual IoT nodes. Each segment has specialized responsibilities, with the security device containing embedded modules for key management, certificate verification, and cryptographic operations, allowing complex security tasks to be distributed and managed independently.
2Device complexity
If fragmented security approaches are used, then device complexity is reduced, but security reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal security device that performs multiple security functions including authentication, authorization, encryption, and integrity verification across all IoT nodes and vehicle hosts. This single multi-functional trusted authority replaces multiple fragmented security mechanisms, providing comprehensive system-wide protection while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized control.
3Reliability
If centralized trusted authority is implemented, then security reliability is improved, but loss of time in security operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs security-critical operations in advance during system initialization and node provisioning. The trusted authority pre-generates cryptographic keys, creates digital certificates, and establishes security policies before IoT nodes join the network. This preliminary setup enables rapid authentication and communication during operational phases without repeated time-consuming security negotiations.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a device of an Internet of Things (IoT) network may receive, from a host associated with the IoT network, information associated with the IoT network. The device may store, via a memory controller of the device, the information in a memory with an embedded hardware security module of the device, wherein the device serves as a root of trust for the host using the information stored in the memory. The device may receive, from the host, a request to perform a security function. The device may perform, based on the request, the security function using the information stored in the memory. The device may generate an alert based on an outcome of the security function. Numerous other implementations are described.