Remote attacks pose one of the greatest threats to vehicle cybersecurity. To verify whether a vehicle is sufficiently protected against such attacks, it must be isolated from the outside world. This allows self-generated radio signals to attempt to overcome the vehicle's protective functions. For this purpose, IAV has established a test chamber at the Gifhorn site that is hermetically shielded from radio networks. 

Vehicles up to the size of medium-duty vehicles like the biggest Version of a VW Crafter or Ford Transit can fit in the "shielding chamber." For IAV, this step represents a decisive competitive advantage. Another plus point: Since no radio waves penetrate inside, none escape outside either. This ensures that no interference signals are generated during tests that would negatively impact mobile reception or other participants in the vicinity. 

We spoke with Cybersecurity Expert Marco Siebert and gained insight into the new test environment. 

What exactly is this shielding chamber? 

It is part of our Cybersecurity Lab. With the chamber, we now have the ability to conduct penetration tests, or pentests, wirelessly on the entire vehicle. Previously, this was only possible for individual components, such as control units. With penetration tests, we check the IT infrastructure and applications of components and vehicles for potential vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit for cyberattacks. Radio connections are the focus as potential entry points for cyberattacks. With the large shielding chamber, which expands the Cybersecurity Lab, we now have the ability to completely isolate the vehicle from radio waves and test it with our own manipulated signals without disturbing public networks. 

What can be simulated in the test environment? 

We can simulate a variety of scenarios relevant to vehicle cybersecurity. The focus is on attacks on vehicle communication, both via mobile networks and other wireless connections such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. We can also test GPS spoofing and other signal manipulations. Additionally, the shielding chamber allows us to create environments without external radio interference, so we can test vehicle systems in isolation and under controlled conditions. 

What advantages does this new test environment offer? 

The chamber is a real differentiator compared to our competition. Conducting mobile-based pentests at the vehicle system level cannot be realized in this form by most other companies. In case of doubt, authorities or mobile network companies quickly come knocking because, without shielding, a large source of interference is generated. However, the shielding chamber can also be used for other purposes, such as testing 5G networks or software-over-the-air updates (OTA). 

Technical Data (as box/table): 

• Certification according to DIN-EN 50147-1 
• Vehicles up to 7m in length, 2.5m in width, and 5t in weight 
• Camera system for monitoring the interior from outside 
• Additional RFI trap for using further measuring instruments with external access