Sasken Technologies has taken a significant step forward in the automotive cybersecurity landscape through its recent partnership with Trustonic. This collaboration marks a new chapter in Sasken's efforts to offer advanced security solutions for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
As cybersecurity becomes increasingly crucial for modern vehicles, the partnership aims to address the rising security challenges in the sector.
Rajiv Mody, chairperson, MD, and CEO of Sasken Technologies, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in today's automotive sector, especially as vehicles become more dependent on software and semiconductor technologies.
"Cybersecurity is becoming more and more relevant as automotive transitions into software-defined vehicles," Mody said in an interview with Digitimes Asia. He explained that cybersecurity concerns have now expanded from traditional network security to encompass the entire software and hardware ecosystem within vehicles.
Collaboration with Trustonic to address growing cyber threats
The partnership with Trustonic is a critical part of Sasken's strategy to provide comprehensive security solutions to tier-one suppliers and OEMs.
Mody explained that the collaboration will allow Sasken to offer end-to-end solutions that tackle the vulnerabilities introduced by the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
"OTA is becoming a key feature in automotive, but it introduces new vulnerabilities. This makes cybersecurity solutions even more crucial," Mody noted.
The collaboration with Trustonic integrates its AL 5+ certified execution environment technology, which aims to set a new industry standard in cybersecurity for embedded systems within vehicles.
Expanding global presence in automotive cybersecurity
Sasken's foray into automotive cybersecurity is not confined to India. The company is extending its reach to global markets, particularly in the United States, Japan, and Europe, where cybersecurity regulations in the automotive sector are tightening.
"We service customers in Europe, the US, and Japan, and we see significant interest in cybersecurity from these regions. These markets are taking the issue of cybersecurity very seriously, and our partnership with Trustonic positions us to meet their needs," Mody said.
He underscored the risks automotive brands face if cybersecurity threats are not addressed, mentioning how a cyberattack locking vehicles with keyless entry systems could tarnish a brand's reputation.
"It would be a disastrous outcome, and brands cannot afford such risks," he added.
Strengthening expertise with Sasken Silicon (Anup Silicon)
In addition to its partnership with Trustonic, Sasken's recent acquisition of Anup Silicon, and subsequent formation of subsidiary Sasken Silicon, may further enhance the company's capabilities. The acquisition focuses on expanding Sasken's expertise in semiconductor design, particularly in the areas of analog and digital technologies.
Mody highlighted that the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) into semiconductor design is a significant growth area for Sasken.
"AI/ML will play a critical role, especially in automotive where sensing and power management are crucial for electric vehicles and IoT applications," Mody explained. He added that Anup Silicon brings valuable expertise in analog design and power management, which are increasingly important as the automotive industry evolves.
Sasken's work in semiconductors is not new - the company has been deeply involved in the design of silicon chips, particularly for ruggedized computing systems. With the acquisition of Anup Silicon, Sasken now aims to expand these efforts into the automotive sector, providing solutions that integrate hardware and software to meet the growing cybersecurity demands.
Investing in R&D and talent for future growth
Sasken's strategic focus on semiconductors and cybersecurity is underpinned by a strong commitment to research and development (R&D). Mody explained that the company is continuously expanding its talent pool to keep pace with industry demands, particularly in cybersecurity for the automotive sector.
"We recently added fresh talent and are working with universities through our Sasken Academy to train engineers in relevant skills starting from their fifth semester," Mody said.
The company is actively collaborating with educational institutions to ensure that future engineers are well-prepared to address the needs of the automotive and semiconductor sectors.
Mody acknowledged that talent acquisition is a global challenge, but Sasken is actively recruiting expertise from countries like Japan and Finland. "We're looking for global talent to drive innovation in areas like automotive user interfaces and AI/ML integration," he explained.
The future of automotive cybersecurity and semiconductors
Sasken's collaboration with Trustonic and the acquisition of Anup Silicon mark just the beginning of its journey into automotive cybersecurity. Mody believes that the future holds vast potential for growth as the automotive industry continues to shift towards more complex, software-driven systems. He is optimistic that semiconductors will play an increasingly critical role, not just in automotive, but across industries.
"Semiconductors are the new oil," Mody stated, referencing the disruptions caused by the semiconductor supply chain crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that Sasken's focus on semiconductors, combined with AI/ML integration, will enable the company to stay ahead of the curve as the industry evolves.
Looking forward, Sasken plans to continue investing in R&D and expanding its global presence. Mody is confident that the company's efforts in cybersecurity, semiconductors, and AI/ML will position it as a key player in the global automotive market.
"We're bullish on the opportunities semiconductors bring today, and with the continued integration of software and silicon, we're excited to be at the forefront of this transformation," Mody concluded.
As the automotive industry grapples with the challenge of balancing innovation with security, Sasken's commitment to cybersecurity and semiconductor design ensures that it will remain a key player in shaping the future of connected vehicles.
