Hella Gutmann Solutions offers cybersecurity management within diagnostic software

“Behind the terms: Security Gateway, Certificate Based Automotive Security, Protection of Vehicle Diagnostics, Central Gateway and CAN Gateway, are systems designed to protect modern vehicles against unauthorised access and manipulation of their data,” explained Neil Hilton, Head of Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) UK.

“This may be beneficial to security, but it involves considerable effort for independent workshops working across multiple brands because only authentication in the respective vehicle manufacturer’s (VM) portal and the installation of activation software and the acquisition of digital authorisations in the form of certificates, tokens or keys, can clear the way to the vehicle’s electronic control units.

In order for workshops to be able continue to compete effectively against the main dealer networks, HGS has implemented a universal key for legally unlocking secured vehicles in the software of the company’s mega macs diagnostic tools, with the new Cyber Security Management (CSM) function.

“This means that instead of having to register individually with each vehicle manufacturer portal to obtain diagnostic releases for their customer’s vehicles, and subjecting themselves to extensive checks and potentially significant extra costs, a one-time authentication, activated by proof of identification by passport or identity card, is all that’s needed for a mega macs user to have a clear path to work on all vehicles with a security lock, at the usual diagnostic depth”, Neil Hilton continued, adding:

“The mega macs user is also spared the need to load and install manufacturer-specific decryption software on a notebook or PC, because HGS has implemented all the necessary modules for the exchange of vehicle-related security certificates with the VM’s relevant servers and backends, in the mega macs software.”

The CSM is available for mega macs devices from the update to software version 60 and will grow its coverage of vehicle manufacturers secured models automatically. The first integrated brands included FCA and Mercedes-Benz, followed by VW and Kia, with Hyundai, Nissan and Renault after that. However, some of the security requirements of other VMs are still in the development phase, which is why resolution of the CSM issue is an ongoing process.

HGS’ diagnostic tool is now available as an Android app

The HGS diagnostic tool is now available as an Android app (Photo: HGS)

The increasing everyday use of smartphones is also reflected in the growing popularity of tablets in modern workshops, as the sale of Android devices in particular is booming because they are fast, affordable, and – due to the multitude of apps available – versatile. As a result, HGS introduced the mega macs ONE, which transforms a tablet with Android 6.0 or higher and minimum 7-inch screen, into a fully-fledged diagnostic tool.

“The introduction of mega macs ONE is particularly important as it allows workshops to access premium level diagnostic capability at budget prices,” said Hilton. “By combining the best of HGS knowhow with extremely competitively priced, off-the-shelf Android technology, we have adapted these multifunctional devices into high calibre diagnostic tools It is therefore the perfect stepping stone to help workshops improve their diagnostic ability and subsequently service a wider range of vehicles, so increasing their overall profitability.”

After concluding the licence agreement for the mega macs ONE app, technicians will receive the Bluetooth VCI (vehicle communication interface), which it uses to communicate with the vehicle and, once the software has been installed on the tablet, they can use it for an unlimited period of time.

All the basic diagnostic functions available on the mega macs ONE are equivalent to those provided by our other mega macs tools. These range from displaying the OBD (on-board diagnostic) socket location in the vehicle, to reading/deleting trouble codes, Global scan, resetting service indicators, parameter depictions (up to 16 at the same time), basic settings and adaptions, coding and actuator tests and ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) calibration software, as well as the CSM feature mentioned earlier. The diagnostic results can also be printed out or emailed to customers as a PDF document.

“Finally, should the Android device be dropped or damaged and need to be replaced, all the data and the service history and action records remain safe as they as stored in the cloud. This means that once a new device has been purchased and the app downloaded, all the information will appear and the process flawlessly recommences”, Hilton concluded.