In this special episode, we spotlight the most common, and costly, mistakes made when developing software functions on automotive microcontrollers. Backed by three decades of hands-on experience with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, ETAS experts share real-world examples and insights to help engineers avoid these pitfalls. 

Microcontrollers are the brains behind key vehicle functions, from safety to performance. Even skilled developers can make errors that compromise system reliability. The group unpacks the top six critical areas where development often goes wrong, offering practical guidance to help teams improve their processes and build more robust, reliable software.

To learn more:  https://www.etas.com/ww/en/support-training/webinars/inside-scoop-top-critical-mistakes-in-developing-automotive-software-functions-on-microcontroller/ 

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Automated fuzz testing has long been a staple of software security, but as embedded vehicle architectures grow increasingly complex, traditional fuzzers struggle to reach deep code paths and maintain high coverage efficiently.

In this episode, host Zane Pelletier sits down with ETAS cybersecurity specialist Wolfgang Neufeld to explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing fuzz testing in automotive software development. Wolfgang breaks down how AI-driven fuzzing intelligently generates edge-case inputs, predicts vulnerable code structures, and drastically reduces time-to-discovery for critical vulnerabilities in automotive protocols, ECUs, and embedded systems.

Whether you are an automotive penetration tester, embedded software engineer, or cybersecurity researcher, this conversation provides a practical look at integrating AI-assisted fuzzing into modern secure software development lifecycles (SSDLC).

In this episode: 
00:00 - Introduction: The Evolution of Fuzz Testing in Automotive 
04:15 - Limitations of Traditional Fuzzing in Complex Embedded Systems 
10:30 - How AI & Machine Learning Enhance Code Coverage & Input Generation
17:45 - Targeting Edge Cases: Automated Vulnerability Discovery in ECUs 
24:20 - Integrating AI Fuzzing into the Secure Development Lifecycle (SSDLC)
30:10 - The Future of Automated Offensive Security for Vehicle Architectures

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As vehicles become smarter and more connected, they're also becoming high-value targets for cyberattacks. In this episode, we explore why microcontroller security is critical in today’s automotive landscape and how regulations are pushing the industry to act. We share real-world examples of vehicle hacks that led to theft, showing that security is far more than a buzzword. 

Learn how AUTOSAR offers key building blocks to help secure vehicle functions, along with its limitations. Finally, we look at how Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) can fill the gaps left by AUTOSAR, offering a more robust approach to securing microcontroller-based ECUs.

To learn more: https://www.etas.com/ww/en/support-training/webinars/securing-your-microcontroller-software-with-autosar-and-beyond/ 

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While offensive security often gets the spotlight, defensive operations form the crucial backbone that keeps enterprise environments, manufacturing facilities, and connected automotive networks safe from active exploitation.

In this episode, host Vasili Kutscherjavenko sits down with ETAS cybersecurity experts Wolfgang Neufeld and Rene Reuter for an in-depth look at Enterprise Blue Teaming. Wolfgang and Rene break down the fundamentals of defensive security engineering, including continuous monitoring, threat hunting, incident response strategies, and SIEM/SOC optimization. They also share practical advice on how security teams can build robust detection rules to identify zero-day threats and mitigate attacks across complex corporate and shop-floor infrastructures.

Whether you are an enterprise SOC analyst, incident responder, or infrastructure security lead, this episode offers a practical blueprint for hardening defensive security postures.

In this episode: 
00:00 - Introduction to Enterprise Blue Teaming 
03:40 - The Core Role of Defenders: Monitoring, Detection & Response 
09:15 - Proactive Threat Hunting vs. Reactive Alerting in the Enterprise 
15:30 - SIEM, SOC Workflows, and Optimizing Incident Detection Rules 
22:10 - Safeguarding Shop-Floor Operations & Connected Infrastructure 
28:45 - Building Resilient Incident Response Plans for Zero-Day Threats 
34:20 - Key Takeaways for Strengthening Defensive Security Postures

 If you enjoyed the Red Teaming episode, you’ll definitely want to check out this one as well!

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China’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle landscape is redefining global standards for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), driven by fast iteration cycles, deep consumer demand for smart features, and hyper-competitive market dynamics.

In this episode, host Siamak Moshiri from ETAS is joined by Florian Rohde, Managing Partner of iProcess, LLC. Drawing on his extensive background building system validation teams at Tesla and NIO, Florian shares first-hand insights from his recent boots-on-the-ground observations across China’s automotive ecosystem. Together, Siamak and Florian explore how Chinese OEMs approach SDV development, software integration, vehicle architecture, and consumer-driven tech adoption compared to Western markets.

Whether you are an automotive software architect, strategy manager, or system validation lead, this episode provides a rare, practical look at the operational strategies driving the world’s most dynamic SDV market.

In this episode: 
00:00 - Introduction & Florian Rohde’s Background at Tesla & NIO 
02:10 - First Impressions: Real-World Observations from China's EV Ecosystem
04:00 - Navigating Market Competition: Dozens of Emerging Chinese OEMs 
07:30 - Consumer Expectations: Smart Cockpits & Demand for SDV Features 
12:15 - Speed to Market: China’s Agile Development vs. Western Engineering Cycles 
17:40 - Vehicle Architecture & Operations: Evolving Software Integration 
22:50 - Key Takeaways for Global Automakers and Software Suppliers

To learn more about Florian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-rohde-iprocess/ 

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As the automotive industry accelerates through 2025, the software-defined vehicle (SDV) landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by breakthrough CES 2025 announcements, artificial intelligence integration, and shifting OEM development strategies.

In this special episode, host Madelyn Downs sits down with Omar Alshabibi, Lead Global Product Manager at ETAS, to break down the key SDV trends, technology shifts, and industry news shaping the year ahead. Omar and Madelyn discuss how vehicle manufacturers are leveraging generative AI, the diverging ways global OEMs are approaching SDV architecture, and the critical milestones engineering leads must monitor as software continues to define next-generation mobility.

Whether you are an automotive software engineer, product manager, or technology strategist, this episode offers a concise, expert breakdown of where the SDV market is headed in 2025.

In this episode: 
00:00 - Introduction & CES 2025 SDV Key Takeaways 
03:15 - The Expanding Role of AI and Generative Models in Vehicle Software 
07:10 - Divergent OEM Strategies: Platform Ownership vs. Partnering 
11:25 - Key SDV Trends & Architectural Milestones to Watch in 2025 
14:50 - Outlook: Navigating the Next Era of Connected Mobility

Thanks for listening!

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As modern connected vehicles become increasingly integrated with cloud architectures, enterprise servers, and backend infrastructure, securing the broader automotive ecosystem requires robust penetration testing across both IT and embedded domains.

In this episode, host Zachariah (Zane) Pelletier from ETAS is joined by enterprise security expert Michael Charl for an in-depth look at Enterprise Pen Testing. Michael shares his perspective as an active penetration tester, breaking down evolving attack surfaces, emerging vulnerability trends, and how security teams can bridge the gap between enterprise IT environments and embedded vehicle systems. Together, they discuss strategies for staying ahead of new attack scenarios and why cross-discipline collaboration is essential for safeguarding next-generation automotive platforms.

Whether you are an enterprise security analyst, automotive penetration tester, or embedded security engineer, this episode highlights practical approaches to finding and fixing critical vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

In this episode: 
00:00 - Introduction: Enterprise Pen Testing in the Automotive Ecosystem 
03:30 - Expanding Attack Surfaces: Bridging Enterprise IT and Embedded Vehicle Systems 
08:45 - Evolving Pen Testing Methodologies for Connected Infrastructures 
14:20 - Uncovering Vulnerabilities Across Cloud and ECU Interfaces 
19:50 - Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Bringing IT and Embedded Security Teams Together 
25:15 - Key Takeaways: Staying Ahead of Emerging Security Trends

During the discussion Zane and Michael reference an article by Sam Curry; you can find it here. 

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To effectively protect modern enterprise architectures and automotive software environments, security teams must understand how real-world attackers view, probe, and exploit potential entry points.

In this episode, host Vasili Kutscherjavenko kicks off our Enterprise series alongside ETAS cybersecurity specialists Wolfgang Neufeld and Rene Reuter for an in-depth discussion on Enterprise Red Teaming. Wolfgang and Rene break down the methodology behind ethical hacking and adversary simulation, explaining how offensive security teams conduct reconnaissance, bypass perimeter controls, and identify critical vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

Whether you are an enterprise security strategist, penetration tester, or automotive software manager, this episode offers a practical foundation for understanding offensive risk assessments and strengthening organizational resilience.

In this episode: 
00:00 - Introduction to Enterprise Red Teaming 
03:20 - Defining Red Teaming vs. Traditional Penetration Testing 
08:15 - Adversary Simulation: How Attackers Probe Enterprise Systems 
14:00 - Reconnaissance, Initial Access, and Lateral Movement Techniques 
19:45 - Measuring Risk: Translating Offensive Findings into Actionable Defense
24:10 - Key Takeaways for Building Mature Red Team Capabilities

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Jake Jepson, Security Researcher, Red Balloon Security, joins Zachariah (Zane) Pelletier, Security Tester at ETAS, to talk about the research project he conducted as a student at Colorado State University to successfully hack a commercial truck. Jake takes us through how the project came to be, walks through the details leading up to the discovery of how electronic logging devices (ELDs) on commercial trucks may pose a grave cybersecurity threat and discusses the surprises he encountered along the way.

You can see a video highlighting the successful attack here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwtTzk9ys20

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There’s a lot of talk about innovation in the automotive control space, but not how to get there. Process and toolchains, decision-making complexity, the rapid evolution of technology and regulations, how OEMs manage all the different pieces of software and ensure they correctly talk to one another, and consumer expectations about vehicle features expectations are all challenges being faced in ECU development. 

In this episode, ETAS experts, Tim Foster, Sr. Solution Consultant and Nigel Tracey, VP of RTA Solutions, discuss these challenges, as well as how to address and mitigate them. And while the auto industry can look to other industries that have evolved in a similar way, the vehicle isn’t like other products that have software updates – Nigel and Tim touch on this and many other aspects of this dynamic evolution.  

Thanks for listening!

• Email us at: [email protected]
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