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While the industry moves deeper into development of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), successes have brought with them a host of challenges, particularly in the arena of cybersecurity. Global time synchronization in vehicles plays a pivotal role in many vehicle functions due to its application in safety-critical, security-critical, and time-critical applications such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), secure diagnostics, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).

 

As the automotive industry shifts further towards Software Defined Vehicles, the use cases for global time synchronization are expected to grow significantly. The implications of a cybersecurity attack on the synchronization process are severe and can lead to false timing, accuracy degradation, and even Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, posing both safety and financial risks to all involved.

 

AUTOSAR and a standardized approach

AUTOSAR provides a standardized automotive architecture and platform solution. As a premium member of the AUTOSAR consortium since 2004, Elektrobit leverages its position to enable faster innovation through standardization and scalability.

 

With a robust background in automotive software development, Elektrobit’s AUTOSAR stack is part of over 80 OEM platforms, making it a trusted and reliable choice for developing series production-ready software. Notably, EB tresos, the Classic AUTOSAR basic software, exemplifies our commitment to providing mature software that aids customers in developing reliable and safe automotive software.

 

Elektrobit’s commitment to cybersecurity is seen in the realization of the Secured Global Time Synchronization (SGTS) concept in the AUTOSAR classic platform specifications, specifically in version R22-11. This concept is scheduled to be extended to the adaptive platform in version R24-11, demonstrating our continuous efforts to stay ahead in addressing evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Dependent functionalities and integrated solutions

To fortify the security of global time synchronization, several critical functionalities need to be addressed. These include cryptographic operations, freshness value management, cryptographic credential management, and the handling of security and error events. Elektrobit products which already implement these functionalities are leveraged to conceptualize the integrated security mechanisms of global time synchronization within the time synchronization modules.

Additionally, the security measures extend beyond the modules themselves, architectural solutions are employed to enhance security through network topology, securing the source of time to the vehicle. A comprehensive approach must be taken toward monitoring and management, detecting, and addressing suspicious activities during secure global time synchronization.

 

Challenges and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Elektrobit products incorporate the SGTS integrated security mechanism. Several external security mechanisms like MACsec, secure CAN/CanFD transceiver can also be leveraged to secure the global time synchronization outside SGTS. Challenge is to find the appropriate solutions in a specific E/E architecture by evaluating the tradeoff between security, and accurate & precise global time. Numerous OEMs are evaluating these and for which Elektrobit products offer the needed solutions.

 

Opportunity awaits

As a recognized innovator and future-ready partner, we not only contribute to defining industry standards but actively implements solutions, ensuring the security and reliability of automotive software in the era of Software Defined Vehicles. For a deeper dive into the technical aspects of SGTS, we invite the technical audience to explore our existing materials , where we discuss the intricacies of this innovative concept.

 
 

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