Cybersecurity: Considerations for the Next Generation of Connected Vehicles

Vehicles are fast becoming more software-enabled, cloud-connected devices – leading to advanced safety and performance features that benefit drivers around the world. In fact, around 67% of all new cars sold in 2020 included some connected features, and this is expected to increase to 100% by 2026.

This increase in connectivity brings new cybersecurity considerations that must be addressed – especially in two primary areas:

1. Software that helps operate the car and its automated features
2. Personal data uploaded by the user

From 2018 to 2019, there was a 99% increase in automotive cybersecurity incidents, according to a recent report from Uswitch. To combat these evolving threats, security systems must be configured so that they can be constantly updated and adapted.

System-Level Cybersecurity in Connected Vehicles

As a key enabler of automated and ADAS features in the vehicle, steering systems require software and security integration throughout the system.

While our OEM customers incorporate cybersecurity at the vehicle level, Nexteer further enhances safety by integrating multi-layer cybersecurity at the steering system level for maximum protection.

Our cybersecurity technologies consist of specifically designed hardware modules at the semi-conductor level, as well as a multi-layered cryptographic software structure, that identifies and authorizes information and command flow between the steering system and other in-vehicle or external controllers. In other words, there is a system within the system that is solely focused on identifying and validating steering commands.

As vehicles adopt advanced electronics to enable higher levels of automated driving, internet connectivity and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, cyber-secure steering technologies become ever more critical. In these future scenarios with greater connectivity, vehicle architectures will need to evolve to allow OEMs to select the systems that are connected to the Cloud (and those that are not) to protect critical vehicle systems.

Looking ahead, cyber security will be key to providing safe and connected advanced mobility solutions. Nexteer is well-positioned to design, develop and build steering systems for vehicles of the future while integrating seamlessly with their safety and security systems.