Command Center: Securing connected cars of the future

An architectural approach to minimize connectivity interfaces acts as a secure, intelligent gateway between the car and external devices/networks to better guard against malicious or sensitive data from being compromised.

Gone are the days when cars were only used to commute and had a radio or a CD player in the name of multimedia. Today's cars have the capability to be connected to devices both inside the car and on the Internet. They typically have 50-70 electronic control units (ECUs) running various functions and providing comfort, reliability, and safety. It is also now possible to stream personalized content via the Internet, keep in touch with friends, and shop online-all from inside the car.

This advancement does not come without its can of worms; a connected car directly or indirectly linked to the Internet comes with the high risk of malware attacks in the form of malicious code or data. A malware attack could force a vehicle to behave not as intended, experiencing sudden braking, door opening, or failing of critical safety systems such as airbags.