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Fundamental Secure Feature I: Secure Boot

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What is it? Secure Boot is a mechanism that verifies the authenticity and integrity of software code stored in flash memory before allowing the system to execute it. The MCU will only boot the application if the code has not been tampered with. Why is it needed? Prevents unauthorized firmware execution. Protects against malicious code injection during the boot process. Blocks attempts to bypass security checks by tampering with the bootloader. Ensures the ECU does not boot into a compromised or corrupted state. 🔍 For example, an attacker might modify the bootloader to disable security features after boot. Secure Boot prevents this by enforcing integrity checks from the very first instruction. Types of Secure Boot: Symmetric-Based Secure Boot Uses shared keys for both signing and verification. Easier to implement, but key management is critical. Asymmetric-Based Secure Boot Uses a private-public key pair. The bootloader verifies the signature of the firmware using a public key, while t...
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Fundamental Secure Features in Automotive ECUs

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 With increasing connectivity and functionality in modern vehicles and IoT devices, security has become a non-negotiable aspect of embedded system design. Automotive ECUs and IoT MCUs are now exposed to threats that can compromise safety, privacy, and system integrity. To mitigate these risks, a suite of fundamental secure features is implemented across the lifecycle of embedded software. This blog outlines six core security pillars that serve as the foundation for robust ECU security: Fundamental Secure Feature I: Secure Boot Fundamental Secure Feature II: Secure Flash Fundamental Secure Feature III: Secure JTAG Fundamental Secure Feature IV: Secure LOG Fundamental Secure Feature V: Secure UDS Fundamental Secure Feature VI: Secure On-Board Communication (SecOC) These six foundational security features—Secure Boot, Secure Flash, Secure JTAG, Secure Log, Secure UDS, and Secure On-Board Communication (SecOC)—are critical for building a trustworthy embedded system. Whether in automoti...
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Cyber Security Interview Question and Answer

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Cyber Security Interview Question and Answer Digital Signature Why signature is calculated for the Hash, not directly for the Sw code? Achieve C interview Topic
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Understanding Authenticated Boot Types in ECU systems

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  In Modern automotive system, security during the Booting process of electronic Control using (ECU's) is more critical than ever. One cornerstone of this security is Authenticated Boot , which ensures that only trusted and verified firmware is executed. This protects the system from unauthorized or malicious modification.  Depending on the system architecture and performance needs, Authenticated Boot can be implemented serval ways. Below we explore four key strategies. Sequential Boot, Concurrent Boot, Contingent Boot and Delayed Boot.  Sequential Boot  Depending Sequential Authenticated Boot is method where each's software component in the boot chain is verified one after other, in a strict sequence. The process ensures that only after the  entire chain of trust has been validated does the system hand over control to the main firmware for normal execution.  characteristics: Authentication is performed in strict linear order .  Execution begins only a...
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ECU LIST

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 1. BCM (Body Control Module)    - Function: The BCM is responsible for controlling various electronic systems within the vehicle's body. This includes functions like interior lighting, power windows, door locks, windshield wipers, and other comfort and convenience features.    - Importance: It acts as a central hub for various sensors and inputs, ensuring that the vehicle’s body-related electronics operate smoothly.  2. Gateway ECU    - Function: The Gateway ECU acts as a communication hub between different networked ECUs in the vehicle. It ensures that data is correctly routed between systems like powertrain, infotainment, and body control.    - Importance: Vital for ensuring seamless communication between various subsystems in modern vehicles.  3. ETM (Electric Traction Motor)    - Function: Manages the electric traction motor, which provides propulsion in electric or hybrid vehicles. It controls the motor's speed, torq...
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Secure Hardware Extensions (SHE)

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The Secure Hardware Extension (SHE) is an on-chip extension within a microcontroller that transitions the control of cryptographic keys from the software to the hardware domain. This transition is crucial for protecting keys from software-based attacks.  Historical Context SHE was conceived to meet anticipated European Union (EU) E-safety Vehicle Intrusion Protected Applications (EVITA) requirements. The EVITA project aims to design, verify, and prototype a secure architecture for automotive on-board electronics networks, facilitating secure vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. Audi and BMW, in collaboration with the Hersteller Initiative Software (HIS), initiated the development of SHE, which began as "Stage 0".  General Objectives for SHE 1. Protection of Symmetric Keys (AES-128): Ensures protection against unauthorized readout, modification, eavesdropping, and tampering during transmission to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). 2. Secure Anchor an...
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Introduction to Hardware and Hardware Security

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Hardware refers to the physical components of technology, encompassing computer systems and embedded hardware. Similar to software, hardware is also vulnerable to security threats, necessitating robust security measures. Hardware Security Hardware security is critical because, like software, hardware can have vulnerabilities that pose significant risks. For software, common security mechanisms include Control-flow Integrity (CFI), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), Web Application Firewalls (WAF), and Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS). Below is a comparison of typical software and hardware vulnerabilities: Software Vulnerabilities and Threats: 1. Buffer overflows 2. Denial of service (DoS) 3. Privilege escalation 4. Malware 5. SQL Injection Hardware Vulnerabilities: 1. Row hammer 2. Meltdown 3. Thunderclap 4. Screwed Drivers 5. Foreshadow Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) The CWE is a comprehensive category system for identifying software and hardware vulnerabil...
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