Presta steers, evolutionID thinks

Modern steering systems are the domain of thyssenkrupp Presta AG, Lichtenstein. For precise control of modern vehicles, a large number of system components must match precisely – just as is indispensable for central identity management. Here, the evolutionID team thought a step further and found the best combination of RFID and PKI (2FA).

thyssenkrupp Presta AG is one of the world’s most successful manufacturers of steering systems and a technology leader in the field of solid forming.

Steering systems are developed and produced for more than 20 million vehicles annually. Eschen in Liechtenstein is the headquarter of the company with approximately 2,500 employees. The automotive environment is characterized by autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification. In Liechtenstein, the team is focused on helping to shape these megatrends. In the future, new development trends in the chassis and steering sector will also be taken up there and brought to market maturity. Based on these steering technologies, current development projects such as steer-by-wire and the further development of assistance systems as a precursor to autonomous driving will be driven forward.

The organizational structure of thyssenkrupp Presta AG is diverse and international: In addition to the headquarter in Eschen, Liechtenstein, there are further locations in Mexico, Hungary and Germany. Worldwide, 10,000 employees on 4 continents at 21 locations are working on the mobility of the future. The security infrastructure has grown and, due to acquisitions and disposals, is dynamic and heterogeneous. In addition, the legal standards of the respective location must be observed, for example regarding cryptography.

The specifications for central identity management are versatile: they include not only access control, but also a secure PC login via smart card and automatic locking of the workstation after the user leaves.

evolutionID has developed especially for thyssenkrupp Presta AG a solution based on a dual interface smartcard with the card operating system JCOP (Java Card Open Platform). The single-chip solution works according to the DESFire EV1 and Legic Card-in-Card technologies, which are used depending on the existing technology and preference. PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) functions are also available via a Cryptovision applet, (e.g., PC logins or encrypted mails). An existing PKI was used for the implementation.

Access control is performed via a Legic or DESFire application, depending on the location. For each technology, the respective keys are generated and managed in a secure environment. There is a globally uniform access application for both technologies for overcoming the external perimeter security.

The new ID management system based on IDfunction provides a central database with production and administration workstations distributed across the sites. This means that data changes and new entries can be made conveniently on site, either manually or automatically, yet there is no risk of duplicate data or inconsistencies. Changes or card blocking are immediately distributed the entire security network.

The extensive installation includes various local and global interfaces, for example for the integration of HR databases, time recording systems or vending machines.

Mr. Michael Römischer, Head of Site Security at thyssenkrupp Presta AG, is satisfied with the new system: “The symbiosis of IDfunction and vSEC CMS combines the best of the RFID and PKI worlds for two-factor authentication. Applying the certificate for two-factor authentication (2FA) to the employee badge, during the card production process within minutes, is a real game changer. evolutionID has delivered a system tailored exactly to our needs, elegantly integrating inventory technology, streamlining our internal processes, and avoiding security gaps.”