Techno-Financial Management Aspects of Potential Threat – Vulnerability of Malware in Automotive Electronics : Analytical Research Findings

The automotive customers demand for new functionality, comfort and convenience, higher reliability, result in most innovations that are driven by electronics in the automobile. Electronic systems now provide the technology to enable the manufacturer to deliver new features and to meet the mandatory government regulation requirements in a cost-effective manner.The first x-by-wire systems for braking can be found in series products like the SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system in Mercedes' E class. Apart from advances in safety and chassis control systems more and more electronics and software is added by new telematics and infotainment systems. The most sophisticated infotainment solutions are basically stripped down PCs which provide multimedia capabilities, Internet connection and office services. The high content of networked electronics and software, the increasing need for connectivity and plug and play enhancements makes automobiles vulnerable to similar types of attacks as faced by computer systems, such as intrusion, denial of service, control hijack, etc. Cost pressure forces the industry to rely more on standardized and off the shelf components (both electronics and SW) which could make it easier for attackers. This paper examines some of these possible vulnerabilities. The aim is to encourage both OEMs as well as suppliers to take a closer look at the potential risks of deploying sophisticated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions in cars and to study the lessons learned from the IT security domain