Vehicle Private Key Messaging for Secure Autonomous Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles are susceptible to malicious attacks and data security breaches during the transfer of critical updates and data between the vehicle and the host computing device, which can lead to unsafe operational situations.
Innovation Solution
A secure message system that includes a vehicle private key, stored in the autonomous vehicle's memory resource, is used to generate and transmit secure messages with authentication codes, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of data exchanged between the autonomous vehicle and the host computing device, preventing unauthorized modifications and ensuring secure data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles use sensors and cameras to determine operating parameters, then the vehicle can operate autonomously, but the sensors may fail or require additional information from a host computing device, creating security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing security measures before data transmission occurs. Specifically, the system generates authentication codes and cryptographic signatures in advance using private keys stored in secure elements, and validates message authenticity before processing autonomous vehicle operations. This prevents malicious attacks on data integrity before they can compromise vehicle safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a host computing device that acts as a secure mediator between the autonomous vehicle and external networks. The host computing device verifies authentication codes, validates data integrity, and filters communications, thereby protecting the vehicle's sensors and control systems from direct exposure to potential security threats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous vehicle receives updates from the host computing device, then the vehicle can improve its operation, but the data transfer may be intercepted or modified by malicious actors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating authentication codes and cryptographic signatures that are embedded in data packets before transmission. The system prepares signed messages with integrity verification mechanisms in advance, so that when updates are received from the host computing device, their authenticity can be immediately verified without delay, preventing interception or modification by malicious actors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of data transmission into a benefit by using cryptographic authentication. The act of transmitting data over potentially insecure channels is transformed into a secure process through the use of digital signatures and authentication codes, where the very transmission mechanism becomes the vehicle for delivering verified, tamper-proof updates that improve vehicle operation.
3Reliability
If the vehicle stores and transmits private keys, then secure communication is enabled, but the private key may be compromised or unauthorized changes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the key management system into distinct functional components: secure storage elements that protect private keys, separate processing units that generate authentication codes, and dedicated transmission modules that handle encrypted data. This segmentation isolates the private key from potential compromise while maintaining communication security, as each component has a specific security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary secure element or hardware module that acts as a protected mediator between the private key and the communication system. This intermediary component securely stores the private key, performs cryptographic operations, and interfaces with the rest of the vehicle system without exposing the key itself, thereby enabling secure communication while managing complexity through a dedicated security intermediary.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus comprises a memory resource configured to store a private key associated with a vehicle and store a data matrix comprising data corresponding to operation of the vehicle. The apparatus may further include a processing resource configured to generate a first secure message comprising data corresponding to the vehicle, transmit the first secure message, receive a second secure message comprising an updated data matrix, and update the data matrix based, at least in part, on the updated data matrix.