Intercede announces strategic cybersecurity collaboration group for connected vehicles

London, UK – Leading digital identity expert Intercede today announced the formation of a strategic collaboration group with MIRA, the internationally renowned transportation engineering research and development Centre of Excellence, and Plextek Consulting, a specialist in automotive product and systems design. The group will explore cybersecurity for connected vehicles, including investigating communication systems between vehicles, infrastructure and people.

The initiative will also explore how a secure connected environment can improve the efficiency of transport infrastructure, including interactions with advanced propulsion and the creation of co-operative vehicles.

The connected vehicle is one of most frequently cited and potentially most valuable uses of the Internet of Things. However, it brings with it the potential for severe consequences should security systems be unable to mitigate any cyber threats. It is essential that vehicle components can trust each other and that only the driver or autonomous driving system can give the car instructions, with hackers unable to inject their own commands.

Each member of the collaboration group, which was announced at the Cyber Growth Partnership workshop in London, will contribute key skills and experience needed to drive innovation and create a robust framework to deliver the necessary protection for these exciting technological developments.

Richard Parris, CEO of Intercede, commented: “Connected vehicles herald a new dawn in motoring and are already capturing the imagination of consumers and suppliers alike, but unfortunately this also means that the imagination of hackers and criminals will have been stimulated.

“Identity and credential management is vital in the fight against these potential security attacks. This group has been formed to ensure best practice across the whole spectrum of security is defined and in place early in the manufacturing process, with the aim of protecting road users.”

“Ensuring the safety and security of connected vehicles is crucial given the potential consequences if criminals perform a successful hack,” added Chris Reeves, Commercial Manager for Intelligent Mobility at MIRA. “By joining this collaboration, we are seeking to address this potential threat and identify security best practice to mitigate against the associated risks.”’

Andrew Ashby, Automotive & Transport Business Manager at Plextek Consulting commented: “Bringing together Plextek Consulting’s automotive and security expertise with the knowledge of Intercede and MIRA will ensure a rounded discussion of the complex nature of the emerging connected vehicle industry. With such a strong mix of experts within the field, the group can together draw on the knowledge of a range of professionals to ensure the whole spectrum of security issues are considered, both for connected vehicles and for the broader transport infrastructure.”