Vehicle Module Authentication via Segmented Update Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face cybersecurity risks when updating electronic components due to the potential for unauthorized programming, which can compromise their functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising an authentication module and an update module that verifies programming updates from a remote device by using authentication portions and programming data portions, ensuring that only trusted sources can modify the vehicle's modules, thereby preventing unauthorized changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are allowed to receive updates from external components, then new features and functionality can be added, but cybersecurity risks and vulnerability to cyberattacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of the update source and content before allowing the programming update to be applied. The authentication module verifies the legitimacy of the update in advance, ensuring that only trusted sources can modify vehicle modules, thereby preventing unauthorized changes while enabling legitimate updates.
Solution Approach 2:
An authentication module is introduced as an intermediary component between the external update source and the vehicle module. This intermediary verifies the authenticity of updates before they are applied, separating the update reception function from the execution function and adding a security layer that prevents direct unauthorized access.
2Reliability
If authentication procedures are implemented for programming updates, then security against unauthorized modifications is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programming update process is segmented into distinct functional components: an authentication module that handles security verification and a programming module that handles the actual update application. This segmentation allows each module to focus on its specific function, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable while improving security through specialized authentication logic.
3Reliability
If authentication modules verify programming updates, then unauthorized programming is prevented, but update processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication is performed as a preliminary action before the programming update is applied. By verifying the authenticity of the update source and content in advance, the system ensures security is established before any time-consuming programming operations begin, allowing the actual update process to proceed more efficiently without security interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for programming a vehicle module. An exemplary vehicle includes a first module, an authentication module communicatively coupled to the first module, and an update module communicatively coupled to the first module and the authentication module. The update module is configured to obtain a programming update for the first module that includes an authentication portion and a programming data portion. The update module provides the programming data portion to the first module and provides the authentication portion to the authentication module. The authentication module provides the authentication portion to the first module after the authentication portion is authenticated.