TowerSec has the system to address automotive cyber security threats and is running projects with automakers and suppliers that integrate its ECUSHIELD software technology into vehicles.
A just-released Wired article by Andy Greenberg describing a remote cyber-attack on a vehicle demonstrates the need for automotive cyber security as modern technologies open the door to hackers. TowerSec's ECUSHIELD technology can protect vehicles against every hacking event discussed in the article such as taking over the steering, brakes, transmission and entertainment system from a remote location.
"Hacking is a very real threat today and will be more so in the future as autonomous vehicles evolve and new technologies become part of the internet of things. ECUSHIELD is the only tested and proven software cyber security solution available for immediate deployment," said Saar Dickman, TowerSec CEO. "We invested years of research and engineering effort in developing this product. It detects and prevents cyber threats on vehicles in real time and can be integrated into existing and future vehicles with no redesign."
While the need for a cyber-protection for vehicles is clear, Dickman pointed out there is much more "under the hood" in terms of providing cyber security for future vehicles than is publicly known. He said the automakers and suppliers are working diligently to deal with cyber security threats and to make sure all the security and safety technologies work in concert to protect vehicles and their passengers.
"While we cannot comment on specific attacks on vehicles and devices by hackers we can say our goal, as well as the goal of our customers, is to ensure vehicles are safe and secure," Dickman said. "That is a complex process. We must be sure all the technologies work together to best protect the vehicle. TowerSec's ECUSHIELD is the answer."
One of TowerSec's investors is IncWell, a private venture capital fund that invests in companies with breakthrough or disruptive technologies.
"We've been looking for a solution to the growing cyber security threat in vehicles," said Tom LaSorda, founder and managing partner of IncWell.
"The threat is growing rapidly as vehicles are becoming increasingly more connected whether to devices and the Internet of Things or to other connected vehicles. It further intensifies with the continuing development of self-driving or autonomous vehicles. This connectivity puts both lives and personal data at risk.
"We've researched this business sector and we were excited to find TowerSec and their solution for vehicle cyber security," he said.
Once integrated into a CAN-BUS accessible ECU or telematics control unit, ECUSHIELD provides continuous monitoring while identifying new threats to the vehicle. It prevents malicious communication from reaching mission critical systems inside the vehicle that could put lives and personal data at risk.
With ECUSHIELD no redesign is needed. It is flexible and can be easily integrated into new and used vehicles, including fleets. It turns any ECU into an Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS) system and any gateway ECU into a smart firewall.
