King Saud University Granted a US Patent for Breakthrough in Automotive Cybersecurity
In a significant stride towards enhancing automotive cybersecurity, King Saud University proudly announces the receipt of a US patent for an invention developed by its distinguished scientists. The team, led by Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan from the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance, including Dr. Wazir Khan, achieved this milestone with their groundbreaking invention titled "Methods and Systems for Facilitating Cyber Inspection of Connected and Autonomous Electrical Vehicles using Smart Charging Stations."
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) officially registered the patent under the number 11874752. This state-of-the-art invention focuses on cyber inspection processes for connected and autonomous electric vehicles (CAEVs), utilizing smart charging stations. The invention is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the cybersecurity of modern automotive ecosystem.
The invention, named the Motor Vehicle Cyber Inspection (MVCI) system, is designed for scanning cybersecurity threats in CAEVs during the charging process. It comprises an internal inspection mechanism within the CAEV and a smart charging station (SCS) to scan for cybersecurity threats. After conducting an inspection process, the system notifies the driver of the cybersecurity status of their CAEV on a smart display or their mobile device. The system incorporates a scanning module responsible for detecting cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, backdoors, data leakage, and software vulnerabilities using various online automotive cybersecurity service providers of the user’s choice. Additionally, it checks for the installation of updated security patches for software and firmware on electronic control units (ECUs).
The patented technology has the potential to significantly contribute to the security and reliability of CAEVs, paving the way for safer and more resilient transportation ecosystems locally as well as globally. The co-inventors are actively seeking licensing opportunities for this patent. They envision that integrating this invention into vehicles and charging stations could offer a substantial competitive advantage for automotive manufacturers and EV charging service providers.
Under the Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy, with a particular emphasis on the automotive sector. This commitment is exemplified by the establishment of Ceer Motors, the Kingdom's inaugural EV brand, dedicated to manufacturing indigenous electric vehicles. Moreover, a recent development includes the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIQ), a strategic initiative to bolster EV adoption. EVIQ aims to facilitate this transition by constructing essential infrastructure and establishing a nationwide network of 1,000 charging stations consisting of 5,000 EV chargers by 2030. This breakthrough patent achievement highlights King Saud University's dedication to pioneering research and technological advancements, solidifying its position at the forefront of innovation in automotive cybersecurity.
