Fundamentals of automotive security
In AUTOSAR, cryptographic mechanisms are indispensable for ensuring the security of data and communication within automotive systems. These mechanisms encompass both software and hardware cryptographic processing approaches, each offering distinct advantages and use cases. While software crypto relies on algorithms executed by the ECU’s central processing unit (CPU) or microcontroller, hardware crypto leverages dedicated cryptographic modules or co-processors within the microcontroller or secure hardware components. These hardware modules, such as hardware security modules (HSM), are specifically designed to accelerate cryptographic operations, providing faster and more efficient processing. In AUTOSAR, cryptographic algorithms can be implemented using a combination of hardware and software components (SWCs), offering flexibility and tailored solutions to meet the diverse security requirements of automotive systems.