Tata Elxsi to develop Automotive Cyber Security Solutions with IISc

Design and technology service provider Tata Elxsi today announced the joint development of an Automotive Cyber Security Solution together with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) under the framework of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This joint development will combine Tata Elxsi’s artificial intelligence and machine learning skill set and the business foray towards software-defined vehicles (SDV) and electric vehicle solutions, and the advanced research at IISc.

The partnership aims to address the challenges in cybersecurity presented by complex in-vehicle networks of sensors and numerous advancements in software that define the modern driving experience. Advances in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-anything (V2X) connectivity have presented more opportunities for theft, remote control, tampering, and siphoning of personal information. Meanwhile, IISc researchers are focusing separately on developing automotive vehicle technologies and network security, smart grids, and other critical systems.

This collaboration will focus on security and threat detection in connected automotive vehicles, using AI & ML-based intrusion detection. The partnership will also work to prevent and detect potential security threats and anomalies with preventive insights on future and potentially more advanced threats in the system.

Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Raghavan, CEO and MD of Tata Elxsi, said, “Tata Elxsi recognises that the automotive industry's future depends on secure vehicles and trust. In the Connected vehicles space, we have made substantial investments to improve our solution stacks for Autonomous vehicles via our ADAS programme, SDV architecture, and the like. As vehicles increasingly rely on digital technologies, ensuring cybersecurity is paramount. With IISc’s partnership focusing on Cybersecurity solutions and products, we are sure our clients and automakers can build safer, more resilient vehicles while providing peace of mind to end customers.”

“In today’s digital and interconnected world, cybersecurity threats are growing with technological advances. At IISc, we are always keen on academia-industry partnerships that can help address such challenges. We are excited to join hands with Tata Elxsi to foster innovations in this important domain of security of connected automotive vehicles,” said Prof G Rangarajan, Director, IISc.

Regarding the association, Prof Rajesh Sundaresan, Dean of the Division of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Sciences (EECS), IISc, said, “A modern car easily has upwards of 3,000 chips sensing and controlling the car’s operation. The design complexity associated with enabling safe in-vehicle networking is enormous. This partnership brings together IISc’s strengths in cyber-physical systems security and Tata Elxsi’s strengths in design and technology to enable safe, secure, and connected mobility.”