Automotive penetration testing
Achieving enhanced cybersecurity in the vehicle by conducting tests
Modern vehicles are increasingly becoming sophisticated connected systems that bring together hardware, software, systems and components in ever more complex ways. The technologies of how information and communication is passed within and beyond the vehicle are also constantly evolving.
New attack surfaces require a new approach to testing
Not only from the perspective of quality and security, but also for the performance review in development, testing provides important impulses for making corrections and adjustments in products and processes, before a vehicle hits the road.
Because it is obvious: The implementation of cybersecurity in the vehicle and its respective components and systems on hardware and software level is becoming one of the most important success factors for the entire industry - from the OEM to all suppliers involved. This is about security and quality requirements on the one hand, but also about the enhancement of the core business on the other.
How does this work in practice?
For those responsible for development projects on the side of the OEM and the involved suppliers, the need to tackle vehicle penetration testing methods systematically is becoming indispensable.
In doing so, it is necessary to:
1. Define the scope precisely and define a tailored analysis and test setting in accordance with the requirements.
2. Identify technical vulnerabilities in a systematic way
3. Compile findings and corresponding information in the test report.
What is Automotive Penetration Testing?
In automotive penetration testing, the security mechanisms of a vehicle or vehicle system are analyzed, tested and evaluated in a holistic and target-oriented procedure. This process is used to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities in vehicle systems.
In practice, this is often a challenge. Starting at the level of the organizational structure in the gathering of information and the setting of a meaningful scope. At this early stage, it can already be a good idea to bring the automotive pentesting experts on board.
Next, it is often a particular challenge to put together the necessary competence and the specific design of the test setting and the execution of the test activities in a well-organized manner.
Last but not least, the proper vulnerability and conclusion report as a compilation of the results and the starting point for subsequent activities is an essential quality characteristic of a professional automotive penetration testing project.
Success criteria for automotive pen testing at a glance
Penetration tests provide answers to the question of whether the security mechanisms used in each case fully meet the requirements for protecting the systems. Penetration tests in the automotive industry in particular can only provide these answers if certain criteria are met as part of a test assignment.
Regulatory requirements, such as those resulting from UN R155/CSMS or UN R156/SUMS, are taken into account holistically for both OEMs and tier-N suppliers.
Extensive (broad/deep) technical expertise for increasingly complex systems and components.
Business-relevant compliance requirements along state-of-the-art industry standards (such as ISO/SAE 21434 or ISO 24089) are integrated in a practical manner.
Acquaintance and experience with automotive-specific communication protocols, as distinguished from common IT protocols.
A holistic testing strategy, organization-wide and across projects, serves as the framework for testing projects.
Hands-on experience in planning and executing test settings, and communicating effectively with all stakeholders.
Testing is systematically and professionally operated as a required method to reduce weaknesses and vulnerability.
Detailed and equally clear outcome reports that do not just list technical findings.
The increasing need for process efficiency for verification and validation is adequately taken care of.
Clear practical and case-related recommendations as a starting point for implementation in practice.
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