Making automotive agile

Software defined vehicles characterize the new mobility era, bringing with it equal parts challenge and opportunity. While technology advances to meet consumer needs, so do the cybersecurity threats that put drivers at risk. It’s essential OEMs stay on top of their safety game, prioritizing a new approach to cybersecurity that leverages the same cutting-edge tech that is revolutionizing mobility: artificial intelligence.

To tackle new threats, NTT Innovation Laboratory Israel stood up their Global Automotive Security Test Center with a special focus on cybersecurity innovation that meets the needs of software-defined vehicles. Its ultimate goal is to perform security tests on connected cars while implementing dedicated DevSecOps processes for the automotive industry.

In its premier project, NTT enlisted C2A Security and Marelli to provide AI-driven security tests for NTT Data customers globally. Now, any vehicle system will be automatically secured and protected against cyber attack, ultimately shortening software release times while remaining regulation-compliant.

How do they do it? Evolving cyber threats require agile solutions

The C2A Security and Marelli approach is tailor-made to meet the evolving cyber threats challenging connected vehicles, which require agile security life cycles for protection from development to operations. The project was tested using C2A Security’s flagship EVSec solution, which uses artificial intelligence algorithms during fuzz testing to prevent attack and reveal bugs in ECU software, detect attacks in progress, and streamline response with automatic alerts sent to control centers for immediate intervention. Critically, the entire solution adheres to the standards outlined in WP.29 and ISO 21434 regulations, integrating distributed verification technology for an efficient software development process.

“This unique collaboration is a significant opportunity for C2A Security to interact with a wide range of customers around the world who trust the reputation of NTT DATA”, said Roy Friedman, CEO C2A Security. “NTT DATA is a strong partner who trusts our holistic approach to protecting connected vehicles as the right solution for their new global test center. We are happy to offer NTT customers a smooth and automatic verification tool at the system level in order to find bugs and critical vulnerabilities ahead of time.”

International collaboration, international innovation

Three global companies joined together to innovate how the automotive industry approaches cybersecurity: Japanese IT services company NTT Data facilitated the project, while Italian automotive supplier Marelli and Israeli security company C2A Security delivered it. The connection with NTT Data was made by NTT Innovation Laboratory Israel (NTT Israel), a subsidiary of NTT worldwide, which works to integrate Israeli technologies into services and products developed by NTT, as well as to locate products and technologies that can be distributed and marketed to NTT customers worldwide, as well as business collaborations and investment opportunities with and in Israeli companies.

“The innovation lab of NTT Israel was established with the aim of promoting and finding Israeli start-ups for collaborations and investments. says Noa Asher, CEO of the innovation lab of NTT Israel. “This project is an extraordinary opportunity for NTT Data to get to know the Israeli ecosystem and the technological capabilities that exist in the country, as well as to find additional collaborations with Israeli startups.

“We want to apply our expertise in information security to the connected car sector,” said MReko Garli, head of the automotive sector at NTT DATA Italy. “Thanks to our global vehicle security testing center, NTT DATA will be an international point of reference for protecting connected cars from cyber attacks and ensuring the safety of drivers.”