NXP and automotive cyber security firm Argus have developed a solution to protect automotive Ethernet networks based on the NXP S32G vehicle processor. The new solution is designed to protect against the increasing range of cyber-threats facing connected and autonomous vehicles.

The new solution includes Argus’ Ethernet Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which detects malicious activity at the network and application layers to keep drivers connected and protected. With an engine built on the knowledge gained from extensive cyber research of in-vehicle network behaviour, Argus’ Ethernet IDS can identify behaviour that would otherwise go amiss. 

The solution reports intrusions to the car maker’s Automotive Security Operation Center (ASOC), allowing the event to be analysed and managed across the fleet with solutions such as Argus Fleet Protection.

It also includes NXP’s S32G processor, which provides more than 10 times the performance and networking of NXP’s previous family of automotive gateway devices. According to NXP, this creates new opportunities with service-oriented gateways. The S32G integrated network acceleration technology offloads its multi-core Arm Cortex processors to focus on valued services.

The combined solution is designed to allow car makers to comply with current guidelines and upcoming UNECE regulations on vehicle type approval with regard to cyber security, equipping vehicle systems with the ability to detect and respond to cyber security incidents.

“With Argus Ethernet IDS integrated with the NXP S32G processor car makers can accelerate the development and deployment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), modern service-oriented gateways, and other mobility innovations, with the assurance of the best in cyber security,” said Nir Rozen, VP Product at Argus Cyber Security. “Together with NXP, we are protecting some of the most critical components of a vehicle.”

“We are pleased to work with Argus to enable advanced Ethernet IDS capabilities leveraging the network acceleration technology NXP introduced to the automotive market with the S32G,” said Brian Carlson, Director of Product Line Management for Vehicle Network Processors at NXP. “With our combined expertise, we offer automotive customers a differentiated IDS solution that can increase the security and safety of future connected vehicles.”