Cybersecurity in Mobile Machinery: From Risk to Resilience

Growing Threats and Tightening Regulations

As mobile machines integrate digital control systems, wireless interfaces and cloud connectivity, cybersecurity becomes a core machine requirement. These technologies increase diagnostic capability and operational efficiency, but also expand the risk of attacks on the machine.

Risks include vulnerable applications, unsecured CAN bus communication, weak password management and malware that can manipulate control logic. Physical tampering or sensor signal interference can also trigger unsafe machine behaviour. Wireless and cloud connectivity add further exposure if encryption, authentication and access control are not properly implemented.

Regulatory pressure is increasing. UN R155 and UN R156 have introduced mandatory cyber security and secure software update management requirements in the EU for on road vehicles since 2021 and are widely used as frameworks for off-highway and mobile machines. The NIS 2 Directive, in force since January 2023, strengthens organisational cybersecurity obligations across critical sectors including transport. From 2027, the EU Machinery Regulation mandates that safety functions must be protected from cyber threats.

Cybersecurity is now both a compliance and safety priority.

Hardware Security Built into the Controller

Robust cybersecurity begins at the hardware level. Embedding protection directly into the controller architecture creates a secure foundation for the entire machine.

The TTControl TTC 2000 series is an example of how modern mobile controllers integrate advanced security mechanisms alongside performance and functional safety. These controllers are designed for demanding off-highway environments while incorporating dedicated hardware security features.

The TTC 2000 series integrates a hardware security module (HSM). This enables protected storage and handling of cryptographic keys and certificates directly within secure hardware, making key extraction significantly more difficult. Cryptographic operations such as encryption, decryption and authentication are performed inside the protected environment of the controller.

One of the most important functions is secure boot. Each controller verifies the authenticity and integrity of firmware during start-up, ensuring that only trusted and digitally signed software can be executed. This prevents manipulated or unauthorised code from running on the machine. Additional measures such as secure download processes and authenticated communication interfaces further reduce the risk of manipulation via CAN, Ethernet or other interfaces. By combining secure boot, protected key management and hardware-based cryptography, system integrity is anchored at the lowest level.

This hardware-rooted approach not only reduces the attack surface but also supports compliance with international cyber security standards and regulatory frameworks.

Secure Software with MATCH

Hardware protection must be complemented by secure software architecture. The MATCH development and runtime environment integrates cybersecurity measures across the full lifecycle of the machine.

MATCH enables encrypted communication between controllers, displays and backend systems, protecting data against interception and manipulation. Certificate-based authentication ensures that only authorised devices and services can participate in system communication. Managed key infrastructure supports controlled generation, storage and renewal of cryptographic keys.

Software and firmware updates can be digitally signed and verified before installation, preventing unauthorised or modified code from being deployed. This structured update process aligns with modern regulatory requirements for secure software management.

By combining TTControl’s secure hardware foundation with MATCH’s software implementation, mobile machines can be designed with cybersecurity embedded from the outset. In an increasingly connected world, this integrated approach is essential to safeguard safety functions, maintain system integrity and ensure long-term resilience.

For more information about HYDAC cybersecurity solutions, please visit hydac.com.au.