UK consortium to focus on automotive security

5*StarS, which partners HORIBA MIRA, Ricardo, Roke, Thatcham Research and Axillium Research, will receive grant funding from the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, to launch the ‘Automotive Cyber Security through Assurance’ project. The project will address the increased threat from cyber security with the proliferation of connected and autonomous road vehicles.

Following its successful bid to secure funding, the consortium will research and develop an methodology to ensure that connected autonomous vehicles components and systems have been designed and tested to the relevant cyber security standards throughout their whole lifecycle. The ultimate aim of the consortium is to develop a five-star type consumer rating framework, analogous to existing EuroNCAP type ratings for vehicle safety.

Business and Energy Secretary Clark said: “The race for developing connected and autonomous vehicles is accelerating and as a government we are determined to build on our strengths and ensure the UK is at the forefront of this revolution.

“We have an excellent record in innovation in the UK and through our Industrial Strategy, we will build on our strengths so the UK auto sector remains world leading. That is why we have announced support today for 5*StarS as schemes like these will be key to turning research and development into anchoring future production.”

Chris Reeves, Head of Connected Autonomous Vehicles at HORIBA MIRA, said: “This project is a major step forward in not only clarifying the risks associated with connected autonomous vehicles for the insurance industry, but also in increasing consumer confidence. The project will also help to realise the commercial opportunity connected autonomous vehicles bring for the UK, and we’re delighted to lead a consortium of global players capable of addressing this major emerging challenge.”

Peter Shaw, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research, said: “Car security, and specifically cyber security, is one of the top concerns of UK insurers. We are increasingly seeing more connected vehicles launched every month, whether that is loaded with a new app, or the ability to connect with the Cloud to access data. Wherever there is a digital element in the car, it is vulnerable to attack. Consumers and insurers need to know what potential risk this connectivity has. The 5*StarS system will provide this, as well as drive car manufacturers to continually strive to improve car security.”