BlackBerry introduces framework to secure self-driving vehicles

Ontario Dec 7 (IANS) BlackBerry Ltd on Thursday announced a new framework to safeguard connected and autonomous vehicles against cyber attacks.

Within this framework automakers and their supply chains can deploy their technology choices to differentiate.

"Leveraging our experience as a leader in cybersecurity and embedded automotive software BlackBerry has created a recommended framework to protect cars from cybersecurity threats. If followed we believe vehicles will not only be secure but BlackBerry Secure " Sandeep Chennakeshu President of BlackBerry Technology Solutions said in a statement.

According to the recommendations establishing a root of trust by ensuring every chip and electronic control unit (ECU) in the automobile can be properly authenticated and loaded with trusted software irrespective of vendor or manufacturer.

"Create a security architecture that is deeply layered in a defence in depth architecture with secure hardware software and applications " BlackBerry said.

Using an electronic system architecture that isolates safety critical and non-safety critical ECUs and can also "run-safe" when anomalies are detected is essential.

Moreover automakers should confirm that a defined set of metrics can be scanned regularly when the car is in the field as well as be able to take actions to address issues via secure over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

"Share common vulnerabilities and exposures among a network of subscribing enterprises so expert teams can learn from each other and provide advisories and fixes in shorter time frames " the company suggested.

BlackBerry is expected to demonstrate its vision for connected cars and autonomous vehicles at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 9-12.

--IANS
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