The sharp increase in daily tech support queries received by Mount Auto Equip Services, ranging from ADAS and windscreen replacements to increasingly complex security access systems across all manufacturers, underscores why more customers are choosing Zenith as their trusted diagnostic solutions partner.

In a world where digital security breaches have become increasingly common, automotive manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia have strengthened their defence in this area dramatically. In response to increasing cybersecurity concerns, they’ve integrated the Security Access Gateway Module (SAGM) into their late model vehicles. This small but crucial device is designed to protect the cars electronic systems from unauthorized access, securing everything from engine control units to airbag systems.

The Security Access Gateway Module, serves as a robust defence mechanism against potential cyberattacks and unauthorized diagnostics. Positioned between the vehicle’s internal communication networks like the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus and external diagnostic tools, this module ensures that only approved tools, for example the advanced Zenith Z7, can communicate in a bi-directional manner with the vehicle’s critical systems.

Its primary function is to prevent malicious hacking and tampering with a vehicle’s vital components.

The SGM acts as a protective layer, filtering data requests and monitoring the messages sent between diagnostic tools and the vehicle’s electronic control units.

A diagnostic tool such as the Zenith Z7, can be pre-configured with a unique public/private key pair. When a tool attempts to send a request, it signs the message with its private key. The gateway uses the corresponding public key to verify the request’s authenticity. Only if the request passes this check will the message be processed. If an unauthorized tool attempts to access a restricted system, the gateway blocks the request and the tool is met with a “communication error.”

To further protect sensitive data, the gateway employs advanced encryption techniques. Requests for critical information, like ECU firmware, are encrypted using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be read without the appropriate decryption key.

The security gateway also operates an Access Control List (ACL), a kind of permission list that determines which tools are allowed to access which functions such as read and write to the critical vehicle control units. In addition to verifying requests and encrypting responses, the security gateway also checks the integrity of the data itself. If any message has been altered or tampered with, for example during an unauthorized access attempt, the gateway will immediately flag it, and abort the connection to protect the system.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so too will the Security Gateway. The rise of connected vehicles, telematics, the increasing role of cloud computing, and the advancement of autonomous driving technologies all point to one clear need, which is even stronger cybersecurity.

Vehicle manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia for example are already preparing for this shift by integrating next gen encryption and AI-powered threat detection into future models. This will not only bolster the security of the vehicle's systems but also ensure that the vehicle can communicate safely with other vehicles and infrastructure through Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology.

Moreover, the growing demand for more flexible diagnostic access, driven by movements like “Right to Repair” is prompting vehicle manufacturers to strike a balance between security and accessibility. While it's essential to protect the vehicle's internal systems, consumers and independent technicians will still need the ability to access certain vehicle data for repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance using advanced tools like the Zenith Z7.

The integration of over-the-air (OTA) updates is also expected to play a key role in the future. Security gateways will likely need to verify software updates by using advanced digital signatures, certificates, and encryption mechanisms to ensure that the updates come from a trusted source and have not been tampered with during transmission.