This year’s WeAreDevelopers Congress 2024, held in Berlin from July 17th to 19th with intriguing sessions covering the latest trends and advancements across the industry. Reinhard Kugler, lead of the MARC team, contributed to the congress with his standout presentations titled “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Container Security in Embedded Systems – Make and Break an Automotive Container Platform.”
Exploring Container Security in Automotive Systems
Reinhard began his presentation by reflecting on the evolution of automotive software. What was once a tightly sealed black box has now transformed into what he aptly described as a “tablet on wheels.” In today’s vehicles, nearly every function—from the engine’s performance to door locking and lane assist—is managed by a complex web of software-driven control units. While these systems are engineering marvels, they also introduce significant challenges, particularly when it comes to software maintenance and updates.
Reinhard walked the audience through the complexities of these systems, explaining how the increasing sophistication has made maintaining and updating automotive software a daunting task. Unlike the straightforward updates on phones or computers, updating a car’s software is like orchestrating a symphony—every component needs to be in perfect harmony. As the number of these interconnected components grows, so does the complexity of managing them effectively.
Introducing Containers and Kubernetes in Vehicles
Reinhard then introduced the innovative concept of using containers and Kubernetes within vehicles as a solution to these challenges. This approach represents a significant shift towards a more unified, containerized platform, which could help the automotive industry address the difficulties of managing complex software systems. By adopting this technology, the industry can create a more flexible, secure, and maintainable environment within vehicles. However, as Reinhard pointed out, this transition also introduces new challenges, particularly concerning security.
Live Hacking: Building and Securing Embedded Containers
One of the highlights of Reinhard’s presentation was a live hacking demonstration where he built embedded containers from scratch. He showcased how these containers can be integrated with critical vehicle systems like CAN bus, temperature sensors, and door actuators. Reinhard emphasized the importance of securing these components as the industry moves toward a software-defined vehicle architecture, offering practical insights into mitigating security risks while implementing this technology.
Looking Forward: The Future of Automotive Security
Reinhard Kugler’s session at WeAreDevelopers Congress 2024 highlighted the ongoing evolution in the automotive industry, where the intersection of software and hardware is becoming increasingly significant. His exploration of container security within embedded systems is particularly relevant as the industry prepares for greater integration of software-driven solutions. As vehicles become more complex and interconnected, the insights shared in Reinhard’s session will be crucial in guiding the future of automotive security and innovation.
Related Links:
We Are Developers Official Website: https://www.wearedevelopers.com/world-congress
Copyright: Ivana Spiridonovic