CARAMEL is a project that aims to introduce an innovative anti-hacking intrusion detection/prevention systems for the European automotive industry.
The damaging effects of cyberattacks to an industry like the Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) can be tremendous. From the least important to the worst ones, one can mention for example the damage in the reputation of vehicle manufacturers, the increased denial of customers to adopt CCAM, the loss of working hours (having direct impact on the European GDP), material damages, increased environmental pollution due e.g., to traffic jams or malicious modifications in sensors’ firmware, and ultimately, the great danger for human lives, either they are drivers, passengers or pedestrians.
Goal
CARAMEL’s goal is to proactively address modern vehicle cybersecurity challenges applying advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques and also to continuously seek methods to mitigate associated safety risks.
In order to address cybersecurity considerations for the already here autonomous and connected vehicles, well-established methodologies coming from the ICT sector will be adopted, allowing to assess vulnerabilities and potential cyberattack impacts. Although past initiatives and cybersecurity projects related to the automotive industry have reached to security assurance frameworks for networked vehicles, several newly introduced technological dimensions like 5G, autopilots, and smart charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs) introduce cybersecurity gaps, not addressed satisfactorily yet. Considering the entire supply chain of automotive operations, CARAMEL targets to reach commercial anti-hacking IDS/IPS products for the European automotive cybersecurity and to demonstrate their value through extensive attack and penetration scenarios.
Challenges
The EU-funded CARAMEL project is developing cybersecurity solutions for the new generation of cars:
- i) Autonomous mobility
- Cyberattacks do not require physical access to the vehicle or tampering with the communication system.
- ii) 5G connected mobility
- V2X applications interconnect not only vehicles but also infrastructure and pedestrians, hence it is critical to protect V2X functions from a misuse.
- iii) Electromobility
- Unauthorized access and control of EVSE stations and firmware modifications should be prevented.
- iv) Remote Control Vehicle (RCV)
- Intrusion detection and estimation algorithm in the Gateway & RCV controller is necessary to avoid misuse.
Pilot demonstrations
CARAMEL pilot demonstrations will take place in two premises: at the Test Area in Hessen in Germany and at GreenFlux R&D laboratory in the Netherlands where real-world scenarios will be performed with prototype vehicles and smart chargers, under a controlled environment.
