Alpine 2013 Annual Report Download - page 12

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Industry-University Project to Protect In-Vehicle Systems Against Hackers
Seizo Ishiguro (then Alpine Chairman; currently
Executive Advisor) and University of Aizu President
Shigeaki Tsunoyama (right) at signing ceremony
Measuring threat from hacking (image)
In recent years, cyber attacks by computer hackers against PCs and PC networks have become an
increasingly serious social problem.
At the same time, the car electronics industry to which we belong is dealing with the rapid diffusion of
smartphone connectivity with in-vehicle electronic systems.
This trend raises concerns that unauthorized access into car systems connected to the Internet via a
smartphone could cause serious accidents.
To address this issue, Alpine and the University of Aizu, a public university in Fukushima Prefecture
dedicated to computer sciences and information technology courses, entered into a basic cooperation
agreement on November 29, 2012, with an eye to supporting ongoing recovery efforts from the Great East
Japan Earthquake. As part of our broader program to support job creation in the earthquake-stricken areas,
this cooperative venture with the University of Aizu is conducting analysis of the threat of unauthorized
access to in-vehicle systems with a view to developing instruments that measure the vulnerability of such
systems.
We hope this joint research will shed light on the possible impact of a cyber attack on in-vehicle systems
and yield guidelines to protect against such attacks. In addition, we are targeting the creation of new
business through the development of products to protect the security of in-vehicle systems.
By sharing our respective knowledge and past experience in information technology and onboard
automotive systems, the University and Alpine hope to foster development of young people capable of
contributing to the recovery and future economic growth of Fukushima Prefecture and promote the
sustainability of our mobile society.