The SecureTCU project is taking cyber security for TCUs to the next level by integrating security innovations and validating the design through a new, regulations-aligned process.
The output from the project is a hardened, market-ready automotive Telematics module (TCU) with embedded Intrusion Detection System (IDS) capabilities. This offers class-leading protection from attacks launched over wireless interfaces, which is increasingly the dominant attack vector.
CONSORTIUM PARTNERS
This project is made possible by the collaboration of the consortium members from the United Kingdom and Republic of Korea:
Software stacks for IDS and SOTA security
autocrypt.io
Implementation of IDS capabilities on the Connected Vehicle as a Service platform
beamconnectivity.com
Verification and validation activities
katech.re.kr
Providing guidance and Cyber Security Management System, CRISKLE
secureelements.co.ukPROJECT DEMO
NEWS & LINKS
WHITEPAPERS & REPORTS
SecureTCU Field Demonstration Report (2026-06-09)
This report documents the final field demonstration of the SecureTCU solution, carried out at the KATECH proving ground in Cheonan, Republic of Korea, using a remotely teleoperated test vehicle fitted with the SecureTCU prototype. The objective was to verify end-to-end cybersecurity detection and response in a live remote-operation environment.
The integrated TCU combines CAN, Cellular and Host Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). Attacks were launched against the vehicle, including CAN signal overflow and manipulation of speed, steering, gear and RPM values, cellular flooding and outbound spoofing, unauthorised logins, IDS policy file tampering and process manipulation. Each attack was detected by the IDS and reported to the CRISKLEâ„¢ Mobility SOC (MSOC). The Remote Teleoperation Control Centre (RTOC) then responded by stopping the vehicle. MSOC playbooks automatically notified the responsible personnel and created developer tickets, and the issue was resolved with a successful over-the-air (OTA) update.
SecureTCU Paper 1: UNECE R155/R156 Compliance through a Novel Cybersecurity Lifecycle Approach (2024-07-01)
(Executive Summary) This whitepaper is the first of several updates expected from project SecureTCU, a UK South Korea collaborative research and development project (CR&D), funded by UK’s Innovate UK and South Korea’s KIAT. The project is developing a next-generation TCU with an in-tegrated Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and aims to enhance the security posture of SDVs. This product addresses a critical need in the automotive industry, as manufacturers strive to meet stringent cybersecurity require-ments while unlocking the full potential of connected and automated driving systems.
Further, the Secure Telematics Control Unit will offer insights into the development challenges of a next-generation Telematics Control Unit (TCU) with an integrated Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for detecting threats in a remote teleoperation driving use case. The development of the SecureTCU follows a comprehensive Systems, Safety and Cybersecurity engineering process using an Integrated safety and security application, CRISKLEâ„¢, which evaluates safety hazards that could arise as a result of a security threats on asset/s in the teleoperated driving scenario. Additionally, this whitepaper introduces an industry first concept of integrated safety and security analysis and examines the interactions between safety and security, providing recommendations for addressing potential risks.