Audi and Infineon Comment on Function on Demand Cybersecurity
【Summary】 At the recent SAE WCX conference, Audi and Infineon explored the benefits and risks of Function on Demand technology.

When consumers want a new feature on their phone, they download it over the air (OTA). A similar approach is being integrated into vehicles in the form of a technology called "Function on Demand". While this layout provides opportunities, it also increases cybersecurity challenges.
Greater possibilities
With Function on Demand, consumers will no longer be limited to the equipment a vehicle was sold with. The latest and greatest features can be downloaded OTA and paid for with a credit card. The upgrades can even be purchased for a limited time (a road trip, for example).
At the recent SAE WCX conference, Audi electrical engineer Rolf Schneider pointed out how modern vehicles benefit from OTA updates. For one, the design provides a quick and easy way to update electronic control units. Since cars will have hundreds of modules onboard, this will significantly increase efficiency. Especially in drive-by-wire systems, break-by-wire system, etc.
Security challenges
The concept sounds great – and it is. Unfortunately, Function on Demand also provides potential exploits for cybercriminals. Since most OTA updates must be installed through the vehicle's gateway, defense challenges increase.
Audi and Infineon see Function on Demand as a design worth keeping – even if it must be done cautiously. The two companies aim to benefit from the technology while also minimizing risk.
Of course, most vehicle systems are protected by software-implemented security keys. Rolf Schneider notes, however, that these passwords are difficult to get back once they've been compromised. He also notes that software is easily hacked using standard tools.
Once the system has been compromised down to its core embedded functions (it's "root of trust"), it's tough to save. Using non-standard propriety code can help defend against such an attack.
As manufacturers roll out OTA updates, industry and media focus will continue to be directed towards cyber-security.
Source: SAE
-
Tesla Model S Wagon Displayed in Geneva
-
Audi Reveals its Q4 e-tron Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
-
Goodyear Showcases Concept Tire for Flying Cars; 1950's Autonomous Vehicle
-
Kia to Premier Euro-spec Electric e-Soul at the Geneva Motor Show
-
Ford Developing Electric Mustang Crossover That CEO Says Will “Go Like Hell”
-
BMW to Premiere New Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles & Free EV Charging in Geneva
-
Honda Says EVs, Not Brexit, to Blame for Honda Plant Shutdown
-
EVgo Charging Network Powers 88% More EVs Than Last Year
- Tesla Challenger Lucid Motors to go Public in a $24 Billion SPAC Deal
- Elon Musk Says Tesla’s California Factory Was Forced to Close for Two Days Due to Parts Shortages
- GM's Super Cruise Hands-Free Driving Feature Coming to the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
- Porsche Ventures Invests in Cresta, a Company Co-founded by the Former Head of Google’s Self-driving Car Project
- With Peak Oil in the Past, Shell Pivots to Adding EV Charging Stations
- Massachusetts Announces Ban on New Gas-Powered Cars
- Chinese EV Startup NIO to Unveil its First Electric Sedan on Jan 9, New Competition for the Tesla Model 3
- GM Unveils the Bolt EUV, its First Mass-Market Electric Crossover That Offers 'Hands-Free' Driving
- Automakers Geely & Volvo Cars to Launch a New Powertrain Joint Venture After Merger Talks End
- China's Yahua Agrees to a Five-year Deal to Supply Lithium to Tesla for EV Batteries