OBD2 Vehicle Connection Monitoring for IoT Hacking Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart vehicles are susceptible to external hacking and malware intrusion, which can remotely control vehicle operations due to IoT connectivity and fly-by-wire systems, lacking effective remediation systems via OBD2 connection.
Innovation Solution
A portable device connected to the OBD2 port monitors vehicle and external device communications, sensor data, and operator input, analyzing for compromise, and initiates remediation operations such as alerting the operator, disrupting communications, removing malware, and restoring settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IoT connectivity and wireless communications are added to vehicles, then vehicle connectivity and functionality are improved, but vulnerability to hacking and malware intrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that sits between external wireless communications and the vehicle's fly-by-wire systems. This intermediary continuously analyzes incoming communications for malicious content before they can reach critical vehicle controls, thereby maintaining connectivity while blocking hacking attempts and malware intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of wireless communications before they can compromise vehicle systems. By proactively scanning and validating incoming data packets for malicious code or unauthorized control commands, the system prevents hacking and malware infection before they can affect vehicle operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If fly-by-wire systems are used for vehicle control, then vehicle operation precision is improved, but remote control by third parties becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring system continuously observes communications directed at fly-by-wire systems and provides real-time alerts and blocking actions. When unauthorized remote control attempts are detected, the system immediately intervenes to prevent third-party manipulation of vehicle controls, thereby maintaining both precision and security.
3Ease of operation
If OBD2 connection is used for diagnostics, then vehicle system access is improved, but security remediation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional OBD2 diagnostic port into a multi-functional security gateway. The system not only performs standard diagnostic functions but also monitors wireless communications, detects malware, blocks hacking attempts, and provides security remediation, thereby enhancing both accessibility and security reliability through a single integrated interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Directed to implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality, and, in particular embodiments, implementing added services for OBD2 connection for IoT-capable vehicles. In various embodiments, a portable device (when connected to an OBD2 DLC port of a vehicle) might monitor wireless communications between a vehicle computing system(s) and an external device(s), might monitor vehicle sensor data from vehicular sensors tracking operational conditions of the vehicle, and might monitor operator input sensor data from operator input sensors tracking input by a vehicle operator. The portable device (or a server) might analyze either the monitored wireless communications or a combination of the monitored vehicle sensor data and the monitored operator input sensor data, to determine whether vehicle operation has been compromised. If so, the portable device (or the server) might alert the operator of the vehicle via a user interface and might initiate one or more remediation operations.