Scientists:	Dr. Holger Kinkelin, Filip Rezabek, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Carle
Duration:	01.09.2024 – 31.08.2027
Funding:	BMBF

Abstract

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is a field of cryptography that focuses on developing cryptographic algorithms that are secure against the potential threats posed by quantum computers. Traditional cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA and ECC, rely on mathematical problems that are currently difficult for classical computers to solve. However, quantum computers could efficiently solve these problems, rendering traditional cryptographic methods vulnerable. Therefore, PQC is essential to ensure the security of sensitive data and communications in a future where quantum computing is prevalent.

In the context of modern vehicles, there is a growing trend towards car-to-X communication, where vehicles communicate with each other and with external entities, such as traffic management systems and infrastructure. This communication is crucial for enhancing safety, traffic efficiency, and overall driving experience. However, it is imperative that this communication is secure and authentic to prevent malicious attacks that could compromise vehicle safety and user privacy.

Given the increasing reliance on digital communication in vehicles, PQC is needed in cars to protect against potential threats from quantum computing. Hence, the common goal of our project is to integrate PQC into vehicles. Our partners are focusing on hardware-based approaches, while our Chair is developing a software-based solution using a threshold signing system.

Threshold signing is a cryptographic technique that allows a group of participants to jointly create a digital signature without any single participant having the ability to sign on their own. In this system, a predefined number of participants (the threshold) must collaborate to produce a valid signature. This approach enhances security by distributing trust among multiple parties, making it more difficult for an attacker to forge a signature or compromise the system. Additionally, threshold signing can improve resilience against failures, as the system can still function as long as the threshold number of participants is available. Importantly, the threshold signing nodes can be run on the various high-performance electronic control units (ECUs) in the car, ensuring efficient and secure communication within the vehicle's architecture.

However, the performance of the threshold signing system can be negatively affected when the network is busy or congested, leading to delays in the signing process. To address this issue, we plan to implement Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) to prioritize signing traffic over less critical data transmissions. TSN is a set of standards designed to provide deterministic communication over Ethernet networks, ensuring that time-sensitive data is transmitted with minimal latency and jitter. By doing so, we aim to improve the performance of the threshold signing system, reduce latency, and even guarantee timely delivery of signatures, ensuring that secure communications can occur without unnecessary delays, even in high-traffic scenarios.

Partner

• AED Vantage GmbH
• easycore GmbH
• Infineon Technologies AG
• Hochschule RheinMain
• Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• THD - Technische Hochschule Deggendorf

Funding

This project has received funding from the Federal Ministery of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)).