Symantec launches new AI driven IoT solution for protecting cars against zero day attacks

Symantec Corp today introduced Symantec Anomaly Detection for Automotive to protect against zero-day attacks and never-before-seen issues facing modern connected vehicles. Anomaly Detection for Automotive provides the crucial ability to identify issues for early remediation.

Connected cars offer drivers conveniences such as navigation, remote roadside assistance and mobile internet hot spots. There will be 220 million connected cars on the road in 2020, according to Gartner. While new technologies promise to enhance the driving experience, these advancements also create avenues of attack for hackers that can endanger drivers and passengers.

Symantec Anomaly Detection for Automotive uses machine learning to provide passive in-vehicle security analytics that monitor all Controller Area Network (CAN) bus traffic without disrupting vehicle operations, learn what normal behavior is and flag anomalous activity that may indicate an attack. The solution works with virtually any automotive make and model.

“The Internet of Things contains many different areas, but connected automobiles will radically alter transportation and mobile communications,” said Christian Christiansen, IDC VP of Security Products. “As connected automobiles become the norm, security issues have already drawn attention. Driven by opportunity, manufacturers and their suppliers will partner with cybersecurity vendors on securing connected cars as they would with any other networked endpoint such as a mobile devices and laptops. Keeping security top of mind will not only help ensure the safety of drivers and passengers but also build trust in the car manufactures and the overall Internet of Things ecosystem.”

Symantec Anomaly Detection for Automotive is the latest example of Symantec’s investment in the industry’s most comprehensive IoT security solution. Symantec recently announced that the company is securing more than 1 billion IoT devices, from cars to smart meters to industrial control systems. This is Symantec’s fourth solution designed to serve the auto industry, in addition to Symantec Embedded Security: Critical System Protection, Code Signing, and Managed Public Key Infrastructure.

“Automotive security threats have gone from theory to reality,” said Shankar Somasundaram, senior director of product management and engineering at Symantec. “The infrastructure and technology that already helps protect billions of devices and trillions of dollars now protects the car. We’re building long-term comprehensive security all while delivering ground breaking protection for cars today.”