Applied Cyber Security Darmstadt research group tests automotive security on a cordoned-off training ground
Darmstadt, 21.02.2025
Last week, the Applied Cyber Security Darmstadt (ACSD) research group at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da) carried out a series of driving tests at the Völker driving school training centre in Dieburg. The tests were carried out as part of our research into the IT security of modern vehicles.
Our research vehicle, a Volkswagen ID.3, is equipped with sophisticated measurement technology that enables us to gain in-depth insights into the vehicle's internal communication. This includes access to both the CAN bus and automotive Ethernet. During the tests, attack data was specifically fed into the on-board network in order to analyse the vehicle's reaction. One example of a test carried out was the injection of a manipulated signal that unexpectedly shifted the vehicle from forwards to reverse.
These experiments serve the overarching goal of making vehicles more secure against cyber attacks. As such tests harbour considerable safety risks, they may not be carried out on public roads. We are therefore very grateful to the Völker driving school for providing us with their training ground so that we can carry out our tests under safe yet realistic conditions.
Our research helps to sensitise the automotive industry to potential attack scenarios and to develop solutions for securing modern vehicles. Further information on our projects can be found on our website.
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