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AutoSec Innovation

Embedded engineering

Embedded Security Implementation for Production ECUs

Support secure boot, key handling, cryptographic services, and protected communication in AUTOSAR and non-AUTOSAR embedded platforms.
Embedded ECU and AUTOSAR security architecture

At a glance

  • Architecture
  • Development
  • Verification
  • Production
Standards referenced
AUTOSARISO/SAE 21434ISO 26262
Core deliverables
  • Embedded security design
  • Key management concept
  • Configuration guidance for AUTOSAR security modules
  • Hardening checklist per ECU class

The problem we are asked to solve

  • Security requirements are written but not implementable on the target hardware.
  • Key management is decided late and becomes a production constraint.
  • Communication protection is inconsistent across buses and domains.
  • Hardware security capabilities are underused.

What changes as a result

  • Security controls implemented within real resource constraints
  • Consistent cryptographic and key-handling approach across ECUs
  • Protected in-vehicle communication where it matters
  • Implementation evidence ready for verification

Scope of work

What the engagement covers

Scope is agreed per programme. These are the activities we most often deliver for this service.

  • Secure boot and firmware integrity
  • Hardware security module and hardware trust anchor usage
  • Key management concept and lifecycle
  • AUTOSAR Classic and Adaptive security configuration
  • SecOC and communication protection
  • Diagnostic and access control hardening
  • Debug and production interface lockdown
  • Secure coding and code review support

Engagement methodology

How we work

A predictable sequence, adapted to your process and release gates rather than replacing them.

  1. 01

    Review target constraints

    Understand the hardware trust anchors, resources, toolchain, and basic software already in place.

  2. 02

    Design the security concept

    Define secure boot, key handling, cryptographic services, and communication protection for the platform.

  3. 03

    Support implementation

    Work with the development team on configuration, integration, and secure coding for the chosen platform.

  4. 04

    Review code and configuration

    Inspect the implementation against the design and against known embedded failure patterns.

  5. 05

    Support verification

    Prepare the implementation for security testing and help close findings without destabilising the build.

Deliverables

Every engagement ends with artefacts your organisation owns and can defend in review.

  • Embedded security design
  • Key management concept
  • Configuration guidance for AUTOSAR security modules
  • Hardening checklist per ECU class
  • Code and configuration review findings
  • Implementation verification support

Relevant standards

We help organisations interpret and implement these requirements. We do not certify or approve organisations.

  • AUTOSAR
  • ISO/SAE 21434
  • ISO 26262

Typical use cases

  • Introducing secure boot on a new ECU generation
  • Defining a key management concept across a platform
  • Enabling SecOC on safety-relevant communication
  • Locking down production and diagnostic interfaces

Evidence

Case studies covering Embedded Security and AUTOSAR work are being prepared for publication. Automotive security engagements are normally confidential, so we discuss comparable scope, method, and deliverables directly rather than publishing unverifiable claims.

Questions

Frequently asked

Do you support both AUTOSAR Classic and Adaptive?
Yes. The security building blocks differ between Classic and Adaptive platforms, and we align the design with the platform actually used in your programme.
Can you work with our existing supplier stack?
We work with the supplied basic software and toolchain in place, focusing on configuration, integration, and verification rather than replacing components.

Discuss Your Cybersecurity Program

Tell us where the programme is today and we will outline a realistic next step.