Vehicle Cybersecurity Trigger Device and Electrical Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cybersecurity measures for connected vehicles are not reliable enough to prevent cyber-attacks, as they can be bypassed by sophisticated techniques, leaving drivers and passengers vulnerable to vehicle control by external attackers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a driver to activate a trigger device connected to an electrical gate, which disables vehicle connectivity to the outside world and switches to a backup network, using hardware mechanisms to regain control, even if software-based defenses fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software-based cybersecurity mechanisms are used to protect connected vehicles, then vehicle security is improved, but reliability against sophisticated cyber-attacks deteriorates because these mechanisms can be bypassed or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cybersecurity protection into two independent segments: software-based mechanisms and hardware-based mechanisms. The trigger device and electrical gate form a separate hardware segment that operates independently from the vehicle's software systems, preventing attackers who compromise software from disabling the security response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical gate acts as an intermediary component between the trigger device and the vehicle's connectivity interfaces. When the driver activates the trigger device, the electrical gate physically disconnects the connectivity interfaces (TCU, antennas) from the vehicle network, creating a hardware-mediated barrier that blocks cyber-attacks regardless of software compromise
2Reliability
If connectivity interfaces are disabled to stop cyber-attacks, then vehicle security is improved, but loss of communication and network functionality increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over connectivity interfaces through the electrical gate. The gate can switch between two states: connected (normal operation with full communication functionality) and disconnected (security mode with communication blocked). This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to security threats while maintaining normal operations when safe
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares counter-measures in advance by pre-installing the electrical gate and trigger device. When a cyber-attack is detected or suspected, the driver can immediately activate the trigger device to disconnect connectivity interfaces, preventing further attack propagation without needing to analyze or respond to the specific attack in real-time
3Reliability
If a hardware-based response system is added to provide reliable cybersecurity, then reliability against cyber-attacks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the critical security response function from the complex vehicle software architecture and implements it as a simple hardware mechanism. The trigger device and electrical gate form a standalone hardware subsystem that performs the essential security function of disconnecting connectivity interfaces, independent of the vehicle's complex software layers
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger device is designed as a simple, inexpensive hardware component that can be easily replaced or reset. After a cyber-attack is neutralized by activating the electrical gate, the trigger device can be reset or replaced without requiring complex recovery procedures, allowing rapid response to security threats
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure notably relates to a method for cybersecurity response/cyber resiliency by a driver of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a trigger device accessible to the driver and coupled by wire to an electrical gate of the vehicle. The method comprises, upon a cyberattack on the vehicle, activating the trigger device by the driver, thereby disabling by the electrical gate, vehicle connectivity to outside of the vehicle. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle system for performing said method. These provide new solutions to respond to cyber-attacks in vehicles with increased safety.