MACsec in automotive

Enhancing security in Ethernet networks

Securing communication networks within vehicles is now a critical focus in automotive technology. MACsec, or Media Access Control Security, is a pivotal solution offering robust protection for Ethernet networks in modern vehicles.

MACsec ensures only authorized nodes can access and exchange data within the network, protecting against unauthorized access and tampering. While MACsec provides robust Layer 2 security, it’s important to complement it with additional security measures to address other layers and types of threats effectively.
By integrating MACsec into a comprehensive security strategy, automotive manufacturers can enhance the overall security posture of their vehicles, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity in an era of connected vehicles.

Benefits

Compliant implementation

Compliance with industry security standards and regulations is crucial for automotive manufacturers. Elektrobit’s MACsec implementation complies with the IEEE 802.1AE standard and Classic AUTOSAR R22-11 specification, ensuring interoperability between different vendors’ networking end-nodes and compatible Ethernet switches.

Authentication

MACsec includes a mechanism for authenticating devices on a network, ensuring that only trusted devices can communicate. This protects against unauthorized access and Layer 2 attacks.

Data integrity

MACsec ensures data integrity through line-rate per-port encryption and decryption. This makes it highly challenging for unauthorized entities to intercept or tamper with critical vehicle Ethernet data, including non-IP communication such as ARP, DHCP, and IEEE 1722 (AVTP).

Application-agnostic

MACsec operates at the data link layer, making it compatible with all types of data transmission, including voice, video, and data traffic.

Key features

Elektrobit’s MACsec implementation, integrated into the EB tresos product line (compatible with Classic Platform AUTOSAR specifications), is tailored for automotive applications. Through strategic partnerships with leading Silicon vendors, Elektrobit ensures rapid integration with the latest MACsec-compatible Ethernet transceivers and switches. MACsec can be used both in end node ECUs, or in the compatible Ethernet switches.

End node ECUs

Implementing MACsec at end node ECUs adds an extra layer of security to communications, crucial for maintaining data confidentiality and integrity. This protection is particularly valuable in scenarios where safeguarding against internal and external network threats is essential.

For MACsec to work effectively, both the sending and receiving end node ECUs need to support MACsec. Additionally, the network infrastructure, including switches and routers, must also be compatible with MACsec for end-to-end security. This ensures that the encrypted frames remain secure throughout their entire journey over the network.

Ethernet switches

MACsec can bolster network security when implemented in Ethernet switches, safeguarding communications at the data link layer (Layer 2). This approach enhances network security, particularly in environments prioritizing data confidentiality and integrity. Compatibility checks are crucial to ensure both switches and connected devices support MACsec effectively. Additionally, modern Ethernet switches often feature hardware support for MACsec, enabling high-speed encryption with minimal performance impact.