AURIX and IDPS create an integrated network security solution

Real-time network security is critical for networking and autonomous vehicles. Because vehicles need to defend against cyber attacks in real time, network security solutions must identify malicious messages and prevent them from spreading on the in-vehicle network. Because cyber threats are inherently dynamic, network security solutions need to be updated wirelessly to help fleets protect against the latest threats and attack methods.

At the German Automobile Manufacturers Association Annual Meeting (October 19-20, 2016, Baden-Baden), Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) and Argus showcase an integrated network Security solution. The solution is based on Infineon's AURIXTM multicore microcontrollers and the Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS) and remote cloud platform from Argus. The network security solution is at the heart of the vehicle's central gateway, protecting the in-vehicle network from remote network attacks.

Central gateways are critical in the automotive security architecture. The central gateway enables the interconnection of all electronic control units (ECUs) in various parts of the vehicle, such as powertrain, driver assistance, chassis and bodywork, and electronic control units used in convenient control systems. The central gateway can assign and control the complete data communication between the ECUs. In addition, the central gateway is a wireless access software update (SOTA) and a centralized access point for diagnostics and maintenance updates via the on-board diagnostic (OBD) port.

The AURIX microcontroller will be a key component of the vehicle's central gateway. They control processes and perform monitoring and security tasks. In security-related systems, AURIX microcontrollers support security protocols and the security features required in the hardware. Its built-in Hardware Security Module (HSM) protects in-vehicle software and data communications and supports the highest level of security. These include components with a security level of "high" EVITA to protect critical vehicle functions from a variety of attacks - including through direct cable connection to the car network and attacks via the wireless interface. As a result, AURIX microcontrollers provide effective protection against cyber attacks when hackers attempt to sneak into an in-vehicle system. They feature up to six cores, state-of-the-art memory scalability (up to 16 MB of flash, over 6 MB of on-chip SRAM), and a rich feature set to support the latest networking devices, such as up to 12 CAN-FD channel, eMMC interface and Ethernet functions.

Thomas Boehm, senior director of Infineon's automotive chassis and ADAS microcontroller business, said: "Today's embedded networking features are becoming more and more abundant, so it's important to protect critical system functions from cyber threats. AURIX and Argus IDPS join forces. An important component to achieve this protection, enabling automotive system suppliers to benefit from enhanced network security solutions."

Argus has developed the Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS), which is designed to detect anomalous messages and prevent them from spreading throughout the vehicle network in real time. As a high-performance, low-latency, and small footprint system, IDPS utilizes context-aware heuristics and learning algorithms to achieve the best detection rate as a stand-alone solution. Combined with Argus's remote cloud platform, Argus Lifespan ProtecTIon, IDPS empowers automakers to identify the environmental awareness of fleet network health through cloud-based, intuitive dashboards and provide them with an analytical attack and precautionary approach. IDPS supports different communication protocols, operating systems, and deployment options.

Yoni Heilbronn, vice president of marketing at Argus Network Security, said: "Working with Infineon is the next step in ensuring that existing connected vehicles and future vehicles are protected against cyber threats. Network security needs to be incorporated into the overall design and manufacturing process of the vehicle. Argus IDPS forms an important layer of protection in our multi-layer solution suite for the automotive industry."

Thomas Boehm, Senior Director, Automotive Chassis and ADAS Microcontrollers, Infineon Technologies AG.