MACS Service Reports - 2016 - NOV4

equipment, businesses and people that are on the line. Like
the struggle to retain access to software at the USCO, this is
a potential threat the aftermarket may not see coming either.
Feeling lucky?

more secure. Tesla Motors already does this, using OTA software updates instead of reprogramming by using J2534 and
J1962 devices. BMW AG, Daimler AG and Hyundai Motor Co.
have also begun to use OTA updates on a limited to regular basis, and several other automakers are about to."

Time Doesn't Wait on any Technology

Sethi explained the rationale. OTA updates are:

As a growing industry concern, security goes well beyond
J2534. Of note, both the J1962 VCI and J2534 devices are vulnerable to being hacked, according to both automaker and aftermarket experts.
While the SAE Committee expects the J2534-3 and -4 elements
of v.05-00 to be adequately resolved, it is possible they won't be.
It's also possible that other technologies emerge that replace the
need for J2534 devices - or even scan and other connected diagnostic tools. That could turn the viability of the aftermarket
on its ear.
"The J1962 connector as well as any electronic vehicle communication interface - a scan tool, J2534 box, laptop, dongle or
some other device - are prone to attack and capable of being
hacked," shared Mohan Sethi, MAHLE Aftermarket's head of
Product Management & Business Development "These devices
lack adequate built-in cybersecurity defenses. If a J2534 tool has
been infected with malware, then every vehicle and device that
J-box is then connected to is at risk, until the attack is remedied.
In addition, the industry has, and is, developing better solutions.

Magneti Marelli S.p.A

* Less expensive to develop and deploy (think of updates to
your home computer).
* Free of third-party service information vendors and device manufacturers.
* Enable data to be more easily securitized by automakers
and other developers.
* Independent on J2534 devices for uploading into vehicles.
* Convenient and provide improved customer use experiences.
"Ethernet in automobiles is another emerging technology
that can be either wired or wireless in nature," Potter advised.
"I know of one automaker planning to introduce vehicles in
MY2018 equipped with an advanced, built-in, internal gateway
interface with Ethernet capabilities. Only OBD-II data will be
communicated over the old J1962 VCI. The new gateway would
allow Ethernet communications to securely pass through to the
vehicle's communication networks, and be converted into CAN
or any other onboard vehicle communication protocols, either

Figure 3: The need to be capable of repelling attacks from a variety of vectors - whether plugged-in (e.g. J2534 tool), hard-wired (e.g. shop internet
service), or wireless and remote (e.g. OTA software updates) is an essential attribute of next-generation VCIs. Vehicle security must be a surety.

The buildup and rollout of telematics; connected and intelligent
vehicles and transportation systems; and automated driving has
begun. The industry simply cannot wait forever. It needs complete solutions now."
As a result, Sethi said the industry should expect how software updates are delivered to shift over time. "For example,
consider the rise in use of OTA software reprogramming by automakers. OTA software updates are just another pass-through
vector to the vehicle's communication networks - different
from J2534 pass-through devices - albeit wirelessly, robust and

November 2016

wirelessly or via personal computers connected to the vehicle.
Like OTA updates, wireless Ethernet could eventually eliminate
the need for a J2534-box when reprogramming software."
"For the immediate future, however, Ethernet architecture
lacks a clear, uniform defined global standard - the nemesis
typical of emerging technologies," he added. "What is happening in the U.S. can be at loggerheads with Europe, Asia or other
markets; even global standards organizations disagree. For instance, automobile Ethernet here is predominantly two-wire
based, whereas Ethernet for personal computers are four-wire

MACS Service Reports

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MACS Service Reports - 2016