The connectivity functions in modern vehicles bring a host of benefits, but can also pose a risk in terms of tampering and unauthorised access to data. This is why vehicle manufacturers (VMs) are working on cyber security systems to make it more difficult to use the on-board diagnostics (OBD) interface to access data, and also be used to grant access via different authorisation levels.
Some car infotainment systems are vulnerable to a hack attack that could put lives at risk. The vulnerability was exposed by NCC Group after it found a way to carry out attacks by sending data using digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radio signals.
Modern cars are in danger of being hacked by criminal gangs, motoring experts have warned once again. Possible motivations for hacking are said to include theft of information, extortion and even causing vehicles to crash.
Security vulnerabilities in connected cars and in TPMS/RFID systems have been identified before (see “Automotive suppliers, smart cars, intelligent tyres and safety concerns” in last February’s magazine and “Researchers Hack a Hole in TPMS” in the September 2010 issue of Tyres & Accessories), but now attention is turning to cars fitted with wireless networks and Internet. The fear is that these connections can be exploited by hackers with access and control a car’s systems, including braking and acceleration potentially being overriding remotely, according to security consultants.
TRL, which until recent years was known as the Transport Research Laboratory, has reported that it is investigating “the everyday risks of cyber security breaches as vehicles become more digitally controlled.”
According to researchers such research is increasingly important as the next generation of autonomous vehicles make their debut next year (something that has been covered by Tyrepress/Tyres & Accessories a number of times in the past – see “Automotive suppliers, smart cars, intelligent tyres and safety concerns” and “Researchers Hack a Hole In Tyre Tag Security” for more on this subject). The specific risk is said to be related to the interception of data packages communicated to and from vehicles is ever present. Therefore the encryption and decryption of software and data is likely to become “the battle ground between the vehicle manufacturers and the cyber terrorists or hackers as programmers will need to be able to ensure rigour in the systems’ coding”, says TRL
It seems ironic that after more than a decade of successful security improvements by car and motorcycle manufacturers, the police are now advising owners to supplement this advanced modern technology with basic crime prevention products such as the Krooklock, locks and chains.
Most of us know the ‘20p test’ but in the years to come we’ll be able to spend our loose change rather than use it to gauge tread depth. Continental says it intends to add an automatic tread depth reading feature to its eTis (electronic Tire Information System) and aims to make this available for fitment on new vehicle models by 2017. According to Continental, this new feature is made possible by “intelligent software” that deduces tread depth from gradual changes in tyre rolling characteristics. An in-tyre pressure sensor infers running characteristics from the variations in tyre deformation.
First Line’s Borg & Beck brand is expanding to encompass a comprehensive range of high quality rotating electrics. The brand is already an established player in the clutch sector and is increasing its interest in the braking market. The new programme contains more than 1,000 starter and alternator references.
BSI has published guidance for use at the scene of motor accidents.According to the business standards company, this new standard (BS 8599-2 Motor vehicle first aid kits – Part 2: Specification for the contents of motor vehicle first aid kits) will bring existing UK regulations on first aid kits up to date.
Dana Holding Corporation has launched new technology to support its Spicer central tyre inflation system (CTIS). The new technology is designed to optimize the performance of lower flow CTIS applications for smaller government defence and “vocational” vehicles with a new mechatronic control unit (MCU) option. According to the company, this technology identifies and reacts to tyre inflation issues more effectively by enabling individual wheel control. The MCU is an integrated unit that includes electronic, computer, and mechanical engineering with the intention of delivering improved reliability, a smaller footprint, reduced weight, and less wiring complexity.
The proliferation of electronic driver assistance systems is making the average vehicle more dependent on computing power than ever before. The latest trends see cars becoming more connected to their user’s personal computing systems and the Internet than ever as well. The combination of the two raises security questions, but are they valid and how does all this related to the tyre/TPMS business?
A full grid of 32 entries will compete for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship again in 2014, the headline sponsor and tyre supplier has confirmed. All 32 available TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs) were allocated during the pre-registration process, which closed on 30 November. TOCA, the series organiser, has introduced TBLs for next year with the goal of providing teams with longer-term stability and security.
The NTDA has appointed Stefan Hay as its new director, succeeding Richard Edy who is retiring after 25 years in the post. The changeover will officially take place at the end of January.
Bridgestone’s training and marketing departments have taken part in an informal testing session of the brand’s latest premium product at the Prestwold Driving Centre in Leicestershire. Members of Bridgestone’s technical team presented the tyre to colleagues in an informal approach, which, according to the company, allowed staff to “feel the difference” between the Potenza Adrenalin RE002 and competitor products. Bridgestone is targeting the sport replacement market with the tyre, which it says is tuned mainly for dry performance.
Federal launched its Formoza AZ-01, the company’s latest flagship product, in Bologna. In addition the company display a selection of its latest products and technology including the 595RPM which is aimed at super cars, the 595EVO FRF ultra high performance tyre and the Himalaya ICEO studless snow tyre. At the same time the Couragia FX asymmetric SUV was on show. This product, say company representatives is aimed at meeting the so-called 3H demands of luxury SUVs – that is high horse power, high centre of gravity, and Hhgh chassis. At the same time the Couragia XUV─A, a new SUV all-season Touring tyre was also exhibited.
TRACKER, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) company, warns people not to save their home address into their SatNav system, as it could lead car thieves right to their front door. Thieves in stolen vehicles are using the in-car technology to find an owner’s home and burgle their house, as well as stealing their car.
