Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has developed a multi-layered defence technology that protects connected vehicles from cyber attacks by strengthening their head unit’s defense capabilities.

The technology will enable more secure vehicle systems in vehicles that are equipped for connection to external networks.

Vehicles with communication functions provide connections to the internet and/or mobile devices such as smartphones. These vehicles are vulnerable to cyber attacks and even malicious remote control in extreme cases.

Mitsubishi Electric’s new multi-layered defence technology prevents cyber attacks through a variety of robust security features, including an intrusion detection system without high-load processing and a secure-boot technology that quickly verifies software integrity during the boot process.

It achieves robust security of the vehicle by strengthening the security functions of the automotive head unit, the vehicle’s main link with the internet. The developed technology is adapted from multi-layered defense technology originally developed for critical infrastructure, such as systems for electric power, natural gas, water, chemicals and petroleum, as well as for vehicle systems while requiring only limited machine resources.

The technology detects cyber attacks targeting the control of the vehicle and the automotive head unit. Load processing is reduced through a focus on attack activities.

The Fast Secure Boot technology enables faster and more secure boots that verify the integrity of the vehicle’s software embedded in the automotive head unit. The technology requires less than 10% of the time for a normal boot-up sequence compared with conventional technology.