Infineon claims first TPM for automotive cybersecurity

By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer

Infineon Technologies AG recently introduced the OPTIGA TPM 2.0, touted as the industry’s first Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware-based security solution targeted at automotive applications. The OPTIGA TPM is designed to allow car manufacturers to incorporate security keys for assigning access rights, authentication, and data encryption in onboard vehicle computer systems. It also can be updated to ensure up-to-date security over the vehicle’s service life.

Modern automotive computer systems send real-time traffic and maintenance information and receive software updates from the manufacturer “over the air.” This leaves the onboard computer system susceptible to the same kinds of data hacking as any networked device.

Automotive manufacturers administer cryptographic security keys to protect against data hacking, but instituting these security procedures and updating them over the life of the vehicle can both be tricky operations. The OPTIMA TPM allows security keys to be put into place in Infineon’s certified production environment. The TPM also generates, stores, and administers further security keys for communication within the vehicle and detects faulty or manipulated software and components in the vehicle and initiates troubleshooting by the manufacturer. The TPM’s firmware can be updated remotely at any time, as can the vehicle’s security features.

The plug-and-play OPTIMA TPM 2.0 SLI 9670 incorporates an attack-resistant security chip with the latest industry-standard high-performance firmware, enabling the use of security features such as encryption and decryption, signing, and verification.

The TPM’s open-source software (TSS stack) for the host processor allows for simple integration into the vehicle’s systems, particularly for implementation into a central gateway, the telematics unit, or the infotainment system. Other features include an SPI interface, advanced encryption algorithms (RSA-2048, ECC-256 and SHA-256), and an extended temperature range of –40°C and 105°C.

The OPTIMA TPM 2.0 SLI 9670 is available now and is already being incorporated into network-enabled vehicles.