events Archives - AUTOCRYPT

1 November, 2022 . 5 mins read

Spotlight: V2X Interoperability Testing at OmniAir Costa del Sol Plugfest

In this blog, Vice President of Autocrypt North America, Martin Totev, takes us to OmniAir Consortium’s Costa del Sol Plugfest in Malaga, Spain, held between October 24 and 28, where AUTOCRYPT provided its SCMS certificates for the testing environment.

Interoperability Across the V2X Ecosystem

Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) are making road mobility increasingly connected and adaptive, linking vehicles with road infrastructures and pedestrians, and enabling them to cooperate with one another in real-time through V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communications. Yet, although the idea might seem straightforward, industry players and regulators have been putting tremendous effort into establishing V2X interoperability, ensuring that vehicles, smart devices, and infrastructures built by different manufacturers across various domains can seamlessly communicate with each other.

How is interoperability established? At the baseline, all manufacturers must follow a set of standards and protocols for each relevant use case. These protocols are often established by regulators and industry associations. For instance, the two major technical protocols for V2X communications include WAVE (Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments) by IEEE and C-V2X (cellular V2X) by 5GAA. As such, manufacturers of onboard units (OBU) and roadside units (RSU) need to ensure that all their end-entities within a V2X environment comply with the same protocol to enable reliable message transmission.

Similarly, the technical standard for electric vehicle charging is outlined in ISO 15118, which defines the architecture for Plug&Charge (PnC) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) bidirectional charging, providing a set of consistent specifications and guidelines for OEMs, charger manufacturers, and charge point operators (CPO) to promote a seamless EV charging ecosystem.

Why Protocols Aren’t Enough: The Need for V2X Interoperability Testing

Simply because two manufacturers follow the same standard or protocol, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that their devices will be perfectly compatible with each other under actual implementation. As a simplified example, the standard for a universal plug may specify the width but lacks specification on the length, resulting in plugs with different lengths being incompatible despite adhering to the same standard. In practice, incompatibility issues can be much more complex, arising from a variety of underlying factors that can be difficult to pinpoint.

Given that the V2X ecosystem involves a wide range of end-entities across different domains, interoperability testing is necessary prior to mass deployment. These tests are usually conducted at a plugtest (or plugfest), which invites all relevant manufacturers to deploy their vehicles and devices in combined scenarios.

OmniAir Plugfest

OmniAir Consortium is one of the most influential associations in the C-ITS industry. It specializes in promoting interoperability between different connected entities within the V2X ecosystem, including the vehicle itself, onboard units (OBU) and roadside units (RSU), embedded communication modules, and security modules and SCMS backends.

OmniAir Consortium regularly organizes interoperability testing events—known as OmniAir Plugfests—to provide a platform for industry participants to test the cross-domain interoperability of their connected mobility technologies and devices. The most recent Costa del Sol Plugfest was held between October 24 and 28 in Malaga, Spain.

*Opening ceremony of the Costa del Sol Plugfes*t

A wide range of bench tests were performed at the Costa del Sol Plugfest, including those involving V2X modules, message encryption, V2X-PKI certificates, SPaT message transmissions, and MAP message transmissions. Specific use cases like red light violation warning, emergency vehicle preemption, lane closure warning, curve speed warning, and many more, were tested on the field. One of the industry’s major testing and inspection firms, DEKRA, provided its testbed for the event.

As one of the more than 60 associate members of the OmniAir Consortium, and a C-ITS cybersecurity provider specialized in securing V2X connections, the AUTOCRYPT team headed to Malaga to participate in the plugfest by providing AUTOCRYPT’s SCMS certificates to the devices tested at the event.

*The AUTOCRYPT team testing our SCMS certificates at Dekra’s testbed*

Is C-V2X Ready?

Vice President of Autocrypt North America, Martin Totev, presented at a panel session discussing whether C-V2X is ready to be deployed for commercial use. Martin expressed his optimism on C-V2X commercialization and stressed a step-by-step deployment approach. “It doesn’t need to be mass deployment and autonomous driving straight away,” said Martin. “We can begin by deploying them in vehicles first, then intersections with frequent accidents, gradually enhancing road safety and saving lives in the long run.”

Martin also pointed out the importance of cybersecurity in V2X. “Although interoperability testing is crucial, it only marks the beginning of a continuous improvement process. In fact, more commercial deployments are needed so that security and SCMS providers like AUTOCRYPT can continuously enhance its regional security policies and strengthen its definitions for misbehaviours.”

*VP of Autocrypt North America, Martin Totev, speaking about C-V2X deployment*

AUTOCRYPT’s Pivotal Role in the V2X Ecosystem

AUTOCRYPT specializes in securing V2X communications. Given that vehicles rely on V2X messages for judgment and decision-making, the validity of these messages is critical to the safety and functionality of cooperative autonomous driving.

AUTOCRYPT secures V2X communications using both encryption and authentication technologies. On the frontend, a security module is embedded into each end-entity to encrypt and decrypt messages by referring to a list of SCMS certificates stored in a Local Certificate Manager (LCM). At the backend, its SCMS architecture enables the proper issuance, revocation, and verification of certificates, ensuring message validity and privacy.

To learn more about AUTOCRYPT’s V2X security solutions, contact global@autocrypt.io.

To stay informed and updated on the latest news about AUTOCRYPT and mobility tech, subscribe to AUTOCRYPT’s quarterly newsletter.

29 September, 2022 . 5 mins read

Spotlight: Introducing IMS for SCMS at ITS World Congress 2022

This blog depicts an insider’s perspective of AUTOCRYPT’s trip to ITS World Congress 2022 in Los Angeles, where it unveiled its Integrated Management System (IMS) for SCMS – a central management tool for cross-region V2X-PKI certificate management.

Los Angeles, the city of the American dream. But besides palm trees, sunny beaches, and Hollywood, the city is also widely known for being a prime example of urban sprawl. As a city planned for and shaped by automobiles, LA is one of the most car-dependent metropolises in the world, with many of its residents facing painfully long and congested commutes. Like many other North American cities and suburbs, LA is in desperate need of smarter transportation infrastructures powered by transformative mobility technologies.

Transforming an established transport ecosystem isn’t an easy task, especially when it comes to road transport. Unlike a subway or bus system where all decisions can be made by one party, improving road transport requires multiple parties to make decisions on the same page and work at the same pace. Smart infrastructures are most effective when paired with smart cars, supported by compatible communications technologies.

The ITS World Congress was created for this purpose. Every year since 1994, the ITS World Congress gathers businesses, infrastructure operators, researchers, and policymakers at the frontier of ITS (intelligent transportation systems) development, to foster collaboration and partnerships among industry players to accelerate the commercialization of smart mobility technologies.

Rotating worldwide between major ITS tech hubs for 28 years straight, the ITS World Congress made its way to LA this year, bringing AUTOCRYPT to the city for the first time. As a tech leader in Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), AUTOCRYPT returned to this year’s event to showcase its Integrated Management System (IMS) for SCMS.

*ITS World Congress 2022 held in LA Convention Center*

From ITS to C-ITS

It might be a surprise that the term “intelligent transportation systems (ITS)” existed all the way back in the 90s, when the Internet barely reached the average home. Clearly, efforts to improve transportation using technologies have always been made. Yet, conventional ITS technologies mainly focused on traffic control, which isn’t enough to significantly improve road transport. In fact, traffic congestion and road fatality only worsened as urban population continued to grow across the globe.

With advancements in IoT and communications technologies, the idea of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) took off, centered around the goal of enabling real-time cooperation between different road participants – including vehicles, infrastructures, and pedestrians – by utilizing V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication technology.

C-ITS offers tremendous potential in the commercialization of full (L5) autonomous driving. Unlike camera and object recognition technologies, V2X enables Cooperative Autonomous Driving, allowing all vehicles and infrastructure to share and process real-time information long before cameras and lidars see things happen. Today, more and more industry professionals agree that V2X is the ultimate path towards full autonomous driving.

Given its potential, C-ITS technologies have gradually become the center of attention at the ITS World Congress, with many OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and software providers looking to expand their V2X capabilities. As a pioneer in securing V2X communications, AUTOCRYPT joins the ITS World Congress every year to share its latest technologies for C-ITS.

“Compared to the past, we are seeing more businesses joining the C-ITS ecosystem. It’s great to see a wide range of industry players and governments come together to accelerate developments for Cooperative Autonomous Driving,” said Esther Jeohn, AUTOCRYPT’s Marketing Director, “We are glad that more and more partners are joining us to put efficiency, sustainability, and zero fatality on the priority list.”

*AUTOCRYPT connecting with industry partners at ITS World Congress 2022*

AUTOCRYPT’s Integrated Management System (IMS) for SCMS

As the highlight of this year’s ITS World Congress, AUTOCRYPT unveiled its new Integrated Management System (IMS) for SCMS – a custom-built V2X-PKI certificate management tool that enables OEMs to monitor, supervise, and manage all the issued and revoked certificates for their vehicle fleets on a centralized user interface. A one-stop solution, IMS for SCMS enables admins to easily switch between regions and countries, compatible with the North American SCMS, the European C-ITS CMS (CCMS), and the Chinese C-SCMS.

*The AUTOCRYPT team demonstrating IMS for SCMS to partners and clients*

Sean Cho, President and CEO of Autocrypt North America, explained to partners at AUTOCRYPT’s booth, “As V2X connectivity becomes a standard feature for newer vehicles, OEMs are faced with the need to access and manage a massive number of V2X-PKI certificates issued to their fleets. IMS for SCMS eases this process, with customizable features to satisfy each unique need.”

With IMS for SCMS, OEMs will have the capability to manufacture and manage more V2X-enabled vehicles in the future, accelerating V2X implementation in the industry. To request a demo for IMS for SCMS, contact global@autocrypt.io.

Besides IMS for SCMS, AUTOCRYPT’s V2X security solution includes a V2X communications security module, a V2X-PKI backend, and root CA services for the SCMS ecosystem.

*The AUTOCRYPT team concluding ITS World Congress 2022*

To stay informed about future events and get updated on the latest mobility tech news, subscribe to AUTOCRYPT’s quarterly newsletter.

19 September, 2022 . 5 mins read

Spotlight: AUTOCRYPT’s Journey to the Detroit Auto Show

This blog details AUTOCRYPT’s participation in the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (Detroit Auto Show), where our Chief Communications Officer Jaeson Yoo and Global IR Director Yohan Lepoetre introduced AUTOCRYPT and its latest technologies at AutoMobili-D – a two-day preview event for industry professionals and stakeholders, centering around automotive and mobility tech.

As the automotive capital of the United States, Detroit lies at the center of the Great Lakes supercluster – the largest automotive manufacturing region of North America, connecting the automotive supply chains of Michigan and Ontario. Yet, the city is also known for its rapid shrinkage over the recent decades, making it a symbol of a declining automotive manufacturing sector in North America. Its population, sitting at about 630,000, is now less than one-third of its peak days.

But the decline of the manufacturing sector does not signify the end of the North American automotive industry. In fact, it is only the beginning of a new era, an era where the automotive industry is pushing its boundaries upwards from the manufacturing sector to the high-tech sector. With the addition of electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected mobility infrastructure and services, the new North American mobility industry is now more vibrant than ever.

Detroit Is Back

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS, or the Detroit Auto Show) finally made its return this year after two consecutive cancelations from COVID-19. As one of the largest auto shows in the world, it is the primary go-to venue for automakers to unveil new products and concept cars, gathering OEMs, industry professionals, and car enthusiasts from across the globe. Each year, the event hosts up to 40,000 industry executives and 800,000 visitors.

*The 2022 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place*

Since 2017, the NAIAS has incorporated a two-day preview event into the show, AutoMobili-D – an exhibition and symposium centered around automotive and mobility tech, with the goal of fostering innovations across the automotive supply chain by connecting mobility tech firms with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and venture capitalists.

The growing popularity of AutoMobili-D is a strong indication of a reviving automotive industry in North America. As the focus of automobiles shifts from hardware to software, creating new values through digitalization, electrification, and connectivity, AutoMobili-D has quickly expanded to include over a hundred exhibitors from different fields.

At this year’s event, U.S. President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to announce a newly approved federal funding for the first 35 states to build electric vehicle charging stations throughout their states, helping the nation achieve its short-term goal of 500,000 publicly accessible charge points. Biden expressed his optimism for a fully electrified American highway system, announcing that Detroit is making a comeback while hopping on an all-electric Corvette.

AUTOCRYPT Is Back

Guess who else is at AutoMobili-D this year? AUTOCRYPT’s Chief Communications Officer Jaeson Yoo and Global IR Director Yohan Lepoetre flew from Seoul to Detroit to present AUTOCRYPT at the exhibition, three months since AUTOCRYT’s last visit to the city during AutoTech: Detroit in June.

AUTOCRYPT was invited to AutoMobili-D by Plug and Play Detroit, after being selected as one of the 17 startups in Batch 3 of its startup accelerator program, among a wide pool of up to 1,000 startups sourced in the program. Exhibiting at the AutoMobili-D Startup Arena, AUTOCRYPT met hundreds of industry executives that came from a variety of backgrounds, including OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, transport ministries, and research institutions, speaking about the importance of cybersecurity for automobiles, electric vehicle charging stations, and connected roadside infrastructure. As expected, many visitors expressed interest in AUTOCRYPT’s V2X security solution.

“The biggest challenge in autonomous driving development today is that sensor and object recognition technologies have reached their bottleneck. Companies are struggling to bring fully autonomous vehicles forward and are continuously delaying their forecast for full autonomy,” said Yohan. “We believe real-time vehicle-infrastructure cooperation through V2X communications is the ultimate answer to the remaining problems in autonomous driving.”

*AUTOCRYPT’s booth at AutoMobili-D Startup Arena*

Besides V2X, electric vehicle charging is another hot topic at the event. Despite Biden’s optimism, many experts remained skeptical about the usability of public charging infrastructure. This is indeed a valid concern because the effectiveness of a public charging network is not only determined by the number of available chargers, but by whether charge point operators (CPOs) have the tools and capacity to manage and maintain these chargers over the long run – you don’t want to have 500,000 chargers if one-third of them don’t work.

Earlier this year, AUTOCRYPT introduced its Charging Station Management System (CSMS) to enable CPOs to easily monitor the real-time status and availability of every charger in their network, allowing for not only quick maintenance, but also a more seamless and secure charging experience for users.

To learn more about AUTOCRYPT’s V2X security and EV charging solutions, contact global@autocrypt.io.

To stay informed and updated on the latest news about AUTOCRYPT and mobility tech, subscribe to AUTOCRYPT’s quarterly newsletter.

16 August, 2022 . 5 mins read

Spotlight: Vehicle Hacking at DEF CON 30

In this blog, we’ll be highlighting our Security Validation Department, who made the trip to Los Angeles to present on Ethernet and Blackbox fuzzing and participate in the annual hacking festivities. Have an insider’s look at our team, led by Dr. Jonghyuk Song, and how this group of ethical hackers are striving to make connected and autonomous driving safer for us all.

Las Vegas is a long way from Yeouido. An island sitting on the Han River in Seoul, Korea, Yeouido is often referred to as the “Manhattan” of Seoul. It’s home to many a bank and investment firm, as well as the country’s National Assembly Hall. It is a far cry from the Las Vegas strip, but last week the two collided as seven members of AUTOCRYPT’s Security Validation Department, led by Dr. Jonghyuk Song, AUTOCRYPT’s Chief Security Research Officer and Head of Security Validation, spent their week at DEF CON 30.

The annual hacking and security conference hosts tens of thousands of visitors each year and the schedule is jam-packed with presentations and workshops. However, unlike other expos or events, DEF CON is unique in the sense that it is divided into “villages” that host a variety of events and contests dedicated to hacking and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be “secure” in the connected space. Some of the most well-known villages include Aerospace Village, Car Hacking Village, Biohacking, Physical Security and even Social Engineering Village.

While the idea of hundreds of hackers and hacktivists congregating in Vegas and the aforementioned villages may seem like a recipe for disaster, in reality it’s the opposite. Hacking events, especially like DEF CON, attract hackers who are passionate about these industries, and contests allow both hackers and industries associated with these villages to be able to see vulnerabilities within existing technology.

Visitors at DEF CON 30 can participate in a number of activities, including physical security engineering.

One of the members, Donghyeon Jeong, who attended DEF CON for the first time ever, remarked, “Unlike what the general public may believe, hacking isn’t something that’s done alone or without careful planning and logic. There’s lots of advanced equipment required, and some teams have up to 20 people working on different elements simultaneously. Your team has to work together to prioritize problems and solve the problems strategically, depending on the level of difficulty.” The AUTOCRYPT team placed fifth at this year’s Capture the Flag (CTF) contest in the car-hacking village, and tasks consisted of a wide range of problems like ECU hardware-related issues, virtual environment operations, Bluetooth hacking, and firmware reverse engineering.

AUTOCRYPT’s team at work in the Car Hacking Village CTF. AUTOCRYPT came in fifth at this year’s event.

Dr. Song, a many-time participant in the CTF competitions as well as presenter for advanced hacking methods, says that he believes that hacker conventions like DEF CON are crucial to the advancement of secure technology for autonomous driving. “Hacking is just like other technologies where advanced methods are always in development, and coming to these events allows us to see firsthand how to deal with new attacks and also share new strategies we’ve come across in our own work. More and more we see the crossover between hackers and the industries that they are trying to hack as companies are beginning to recognize that the best defense is actually a smart, strategic offense. In fact, you’ll see quite a few recruiters at these events looking to hire an in-house security expert or even just an ethical hacker to test their defense systems.”

And while the competitions are a large part of the event, there are a multitude of presentations that speak more directly to visitors and participants regarding hacking techniques. Dr. Song with AUTOCRYPT’s Soohwan Oh, Jeongho Yang, and Woongjo Choi, presented on automotive ethernet fuzzing as well as black box fuzzing of UDS CAN. Dr. Song stated that he believes that presenting on automotive hacking is especially important, as more and more connectivity is moving outside the traditional IT system. “The last thing you would want to happen is for someone to tamper with a connected vehicle on the move, which could ultimately affect human lives. Showcasing how we hack into systems allows manufacturers and suppliers to take a second look at their own security architecture before drivers and passengers get in the car.”

“It’s important to note that car hacking isn’t the end all be all. Just as we moved on from traditional IT to connected IoT, I think hacking will continue to evolve into other parts of the mobility ecosystem. EV chargers, Fleet Management Systems and mobility services – they will all continue to require white hats like us to monitor and test them, so that everyone can enjoy them without worrying about the vulnerabilities or risks involved,” said Donghyeon Jang.

Check back on our blog for more Spotlight pieces, as we continue to travel around the globe to new events and exhibitions exploring automotive tech and security. To subscribe to our newsletter, visit here.