Testing for Security: Key to Automotive Development

Marc Serughetti, Synopsys
9/4/2014 11:45 AM EDT

As consumers, we are constantly expecting new features in our cars.

Over the years the automotive industry has continuously responded to this demand, and electronics has played a key role in enabling these new features.

Today, vehicles include complex interconnected electronic modules executing a very large amount of embedded software. This growth of electronic content in vehicles is expected to continue for many years to come as the demand for functionality such as safety systems, better fuel consumption, autonomous driving, and connectivity continues to grow.

However it does not come without challenges. Safety has always been a key concern for automotive companies, and safety specifically related to electronic systems has been a strong focus for semiconductor, Tier 1, and OEM companies in the past decade. ISO 26262 represents an example of the industry’s willingness to address the safety challenge.

In addition to safety concerns, electronic components have introduced a new set of concerns and challenges associated with security. Automotive cyber security has recently gained rapid attention. Networks and interfaces to access electronic modules are opening the door to vulnerabilities that could have significant consequences on the customer experience and reliability of the vehicle.

Let’s explore some examples highlighted in research and industry publications.

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