Sprint will add NXM’s blockchain security technology into its connected car module due out in fall.
Cars, like any device with chips embedded and connected to the outside word, can be hacked. It’s happened since 2015, when two engineers famously hacked a Jeep Cherokee. Since then, security in cars has been a vivid concern in the debate about connected and self-driving cars.
U.S. carrier Sprint and blockchain security company NXM Labs announced last week that they are putting blockchain security into the car through a connected car platform that becomes available Fall 2018 at automotive dealers.
“Through the power of blockchain technology, NXM provides an advanced level of security and advanced capabilities to vehicles that might not otherwise have it, even extending Wi-Fi,” said Ivo Rook, SVP of IoT for Sprint inSprint’s press release. “With the power of Sprint’s high-speed LTE and upcoming 5G network behind the technology, consumers will be able to experience the latest in automotive technology, even in early-model vehicles.”
The blockchain is a distributed ledger technology used to secure anything, most popularly cryptocurrency. Blockchain is being discussed more in relation to telecoms industry, including for secure payments and edge computing. “For telcos, there is enormous potential to move into payments, building a global value transfer network that eventually scales to provide vast amounts of data that will lead to a new source of revenue,” said Accenture’s Vikrant Viniak (et al.), in a recent blog.
Haseeb Akhtar, principal solutions consultant, Ericsson, talks about blockchain for edge computing at a recent RCR Wireless News panel (see video below). Blockchain is one way virtualization can be secured.
As part of the Sprint/NXM platform, an automotive router will keep people connected on the road. Sprint LTE network will provide on-demand, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. The platform will work with Sprint’s 5G service when it comes online in the first half of 2019. Drivers and passengers can connect their favorite devices in their vehicle and choose to order cellular broadband by the day, week or month without relying on their smartphone plan, according to Sprint’s press release.
Features include maintenance reminders, preventive notifications, scheduling and booking service appointments.
“We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with Sprint to bring to market the most advanced and secure connected car platform ever powered by the industry’s first Blockchain OS,” said Scott Rankine, NXM Lab’s CEO and co-founder in Sprint’s press release.. “We’re making it easy for both preowned and new car buyers to experience the latest in smart connected vehicle technology features that not only help protect their investment but keeps them and their family members safe.”
