Overview:

GDG NFSU Gandhinagar had the privilege of hosting Mr. Pratik Luhana, Principal Information Security Officer at Netweb Software Pvt. Ltd., for an enlightening session focused on Automotive Cybersecurity. The session was a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of smart vehicles, exploring both current and emerging cybersecurity threats, and equipping students with vital knowledge about protecting modern automotive systems.

Key Highlights:

🔐 Automotive Cybersecurity in Focus

Mr. Luhana shared valuable insights into how the increasing digitization of vehicles brings both innovation and vulnerability. From infotainment systems to ECUs (Electronic Control Units), the modern vehicle is a networked computer on wheels—an attractive target for cyber attackers.

🚘 Emerging Threats in Smart Vehicles

The session shed light on the variety of threats facing the automotive sector, including:

Remote car hijacking

Insecure communication protocols

Firmware tampering

Over-the-Air (OTA) update vulnerabilities

📻 Understanding RF-Based Attacks

One of the most intriguing parts of the session was the discussion on Radio Frequency (RF) based car unlocking systems. Mr. Luhana explained how attackers can exploit the signal transmission between a car key and the vehicle to gain unauthorized access.

🛰️ Replay Attacks and Real-world Implications

The concept of Replay Attacks was illustrated through real-life scenarios. If an attacker is able to intercept and record the RF signal from a key fob using specialized tools, they can replay this signal to unlock the car without the owner’s knowledge.

🧰 Demonstration of Flipper Zero

A major highlight was the discussion and use-case demonstration of Flipper Zero, a multi-tool for pentesters and hardware hackers. Mr. Luhana demonstrated how this device can scan, analyze, and interact with RF signals, showcasing its potential in both ethical hacking and malicious exploitation.

Takeaways for the Audience:

The importance of layered security architecture in automotive design.

Why cryptographic key rotation and rolling code protocols are vital.

The growing need for automotive penetration testing and threat modeling.

Awareness about tools like Flipper Zero and how they can be used ethically.

Career paths and certifications relevant to automotive and embedded system security.

Audience Feedback:

The session was attended by cybersecurity enthusiasts, engineering students, and tech faculty. Participants expressed great appreciation for the hands-on insights, real-world case studies, and the interactive Q&A session. Many expressed renewed interest in pursuing cybersecurity, especially in the automotive and embedded systems domain.

Closing Note:

This event marked a successful initiative by GDG NFSU Gandhinagar in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. We thank Mr. Pratik Luhana for his time and expertise, and we look forward to hosting more such impactful sessions in the future.

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