Software-centric vehicles
The global automotive manufacturers are focusing on ‘software.’ They are competitively equipping their vehicles with state-of-the-art software to survive the ‘SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) war.’
It’s undeniable that the automotive industry is transitioning towards a software-centric approach as car manufacturers and parts suppliers accelerate the establishment of SDV systems.
In particular, the demand for car security levels is skyrocketing. Interest in car security technology has increased as a theft crime targeting some models of Hyundai and Kia, known as the ‘Kia Boys’ challenge, has become popular across the United States.
Current Status of Automotive Biometric Technology
New cars that can start the engine with fingerprint recognition or open and close the car door with face recognition are now being released. Smart keys with fingerprint/face authentication have already been distributed, and they can even recognize the driver’s veins.
Using biometric technology in cars not only enhances security but also helps improve various conditions in driving.
For example, just like measuring the heart rate on a smartwatch, cars can use the biometric signals of drivers and passengers to prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving or sudden health abnormalities during driving.
Such vehicle healthcare technology that can measure and prevent health conditions during car driving is expected to help significantly in safe driving and protecting the health of passengers.
The current related market mainly consists of technologies that recognize biometric signals such as heart rate measurement and pupil tracking, but the application technologies are also expanding.
In particular, it is emerging as a technology for the safety and convenience of passengers, called In-Cabin. At the stage of fully autonomous driving, various healthcare and entertainment services for passengers are actively being developed in addition to recognizing the vehicle’s external environment.
However, it is known that it must pass a more stringent legal review as it is a technology related to medical care.
Risk of Hacking Still Exists
These advanced technologies provide us with a convenient and comfortable environment but also come with risks. It can be fatal if software hacking occurs because it stores the unique biometric information of the driver or passenger.
As most of the car’s functions are implemented in software, it is natural that the risk of hacking exposure increases. The seriousness is particularly emphasized in ‘cars.’
Suppose a hacked car is remotely controlled or biometric information, location information, etc. are tracked. In that case, problems such as invasion of privacy can occur, you’re, and…. Above all, if the autonomous driving system is hacked. The brakes or accelerator pedals are remotely controlled, which can cause serious traffic accidents.
Cases of Tesa Car Hacked Remotely
At a recent hacking competition, the software system of the Tesla Model 3 was hacked in just 2 minutes, which is a case that clearly shows the vulnerability of software mobility.
At this competition, a French security company succeeded in taking over and controlling all systems divided into vehicle infotainment and gateway networks.
The Tesla gateway is an energy management interface that connects the vehicle and the home grid system, the Tesla Powerwall. If this system is breached, it can open the doors and front hood of the vehicle. And they could gain root access to other subsystems based on this.
Software hacking will become more advanced in the future. Although it is a story of the distant future, there is also an opinion that it is almost impossible to prevent hacking when the era of quantum computers arrives.
Therefore, future mobility based on software will likely be the most advanced technology and, simultaneously, the most vulnerable object. Both manufacturers and consumers need to be alert to this and prepare for it.
By. Kim Sohee
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