**How Does ECOM Handle Diagnostic Communication Requiring Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC)?**

ECOM handles diagnostic communication requiring Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC) by implementing security measures to protect against unauthorized access and manipulation. At DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN, we provide cutting-edge solutions and training to master SecOC, ensuring your vehicle’s systems remain secure. Explore secure data handling, external freshness management, and fault detection for robust vehicle cybersecurity.

1. What is Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC) in Automotive Diagnostics?

Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC) in automotive diagnostics refers to the security mechanisms implemented to protect communication between Electronic Control Units (ECUs) within a vehicle. SecOC ensures data integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality, preventing unauthorized access and manipulation of critical vehicle functions. According to SAE International, modern vehicles have become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats due to their complex network architectures and connectivity features.

2. Why is SecOC Important for Diagnostic Communication?

SecOC is crucial for diagnostic communication because it safeguards sensitive vehicle data and functions from malicious attacks. Without SecOC, unauthorized individuals could potentially access and manipulate diagnostic data, leading to severe consequences such as vehicle theft, system malfunctions, or even safety-critical failures. A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect vehicle electronic systems from cyber threats.

3. How Does SecOC Work in Automotive ECOM Systems?

SecOC in automotive ECOM (Electronic Communication) systems works by incorporating cryptographic techniques and authentication protocols to secure data transmission between ECUs. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Authentication: Verifies the identity of the communicating entities, ensuring that only authorized devices can access and exchange data.
• Encryption: Protects the confidentiality of the data by encoding it into an unreadable format, preventing eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
• Message Authentication Code (MAC): Ensures the integrity of the data by generating a unique code that is appended to each message. Any alteration of the message will result in a different MAC, alerting the receiver to potential tampering.
• Freshness Value: Prevents replay attacks by incorporating a time-sensitive value into the authentication process, ensuring that each message is unique and valid only for a specific time window.

4. What are the Key Features of ECOM Systems with SecOC?

ECOM systems with SecOC offer several key features to enhance security and reliability:

• Secure Boot: Ensures that only trusted software is loaded during the vehicle’s startup process, preventing the execution of malicious code.
• Secure Diagnostic Access: Restricts access to diagnostic functions to authorized personnel and tools, preventing unauthorized modifications or data breaches.
• Secure Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Protects software updates from tampering and unauthorized installation, ensuring that only verified and secure updates are applied to the vehicle’s systems.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and implements measures to prevent or mitigate potential cyber attacks.

5. How Does DTS-Monaco Software Support SecOC?

DTS-Monaco software supports SecOC by providing advanced diagnostic and programming capabilities that are compatible with secure communication protocols. It allows technicians to perform secure diagnostic sessions, flash ECUs with authorized software, and configure security parameters to protect against unauthorized access. With DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN, you gain access to expert training and resources to effectively utilize DTS-Monaco for SecOC-enabled vehicles.

6. What are the Different Security Levels in SecOC?

SecOC defines different security levels based on the criticality of the data and functions being protected. These levels typically include:

• Basic Security: Provides basic authentication and encryption to protect against casual attackers.
• Enhanced Security: Implements more robust cryptographic algorithms and authentication protocols to defend against sophisticated attacks.
• High Security: Incorporates advanced security measures such as hardware security modules (HSMs) and tamper-resistant storage to protect highly sensitive data and functions.

The choice of security level depends on the specific requirements of the vehicle and the potential threats it faces.

7. How to Configure SecOC Parameters in ECOM Systems?

Configuring SecOC parameters in ECOM systems involves setting up various security settings and cryptographic keys to enable secure communication. This typically requires specialized diagnostic tools and software, as well as a thorough understanding of the vehicle’s security architecture. DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN offers comprehensive training programs that cover the configuration and management of SecOC parameters in various ECOM systems.

8. What are the Common Challenges in Implementing SecOC?

Implementing SecOC can present several challenges, including:

• Complexity: SecOC involves complex cryptographic algorithms and security protocols, requiring specialized expertise to implement and maintain.
• Performance Overhead: Security measures can introduce performance overhead, potentially impacting the real-time performance of critical vehicle functions.
• Key Management: Securely managing cryptographic keys is essential to prevent unauthorized access and compromise of the system.
• Compatibility Issues: Ensuring compatibility between different ECUs and diagnostic tools can be challenging, especially in heterogeneous vehicle architectures.

Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, thorough testing, and ongoing monitoring of the system’s security posture.

9. What Tools are Used for SecOC Diagnostics and Programming?

Several specialized tools are used for SecOC diagnostics and programming, including:

• DTS-Monaco: A comprehensive diagnostic and programming tool that supports secure communication protocols and allows technicians to perform secure diagnostic sessions and flash ECUs.
• CANoe: A powerful simulation and testing tool that can be used to analyze and validate SecOC implementations.
• Vector Security Modules: Hardware security modules that provide secure storage and cryptographic processing for SecOC-enabled systems.

These tools, combined with expert training and resources from DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN, enable technicians to effectively diagnose and program SecOC-enabled vehicles.

10. How to Troubleshoot SecOC-Related Issues in Automotive Systems?

Troubleshooting SecOC-related issues in automotive systems requires a systematic approach and specialized diagnostic tools. Common issues include:

• Authentication Failures: Occur when the identity of the communicating entities cannot be verified.
• Encryption Errors: Result from incorrect encryption keys or algorithms.
• MAC Verification Failures: Indicate that the data has been tampered with or corrupted during transmission.
• Freshness Value Errors: Occur when the freshness value is invalid or expired, indicating a potential replay attack.

To troubleshoot these issues, technicians can use diagnostic tools to analyze network traffic, verify security settings, and perform cryptographic tests. DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN provides in-depth training on troubleshooting SecOC-related issues and offers expert support to help technicians resolve complex problems.

11. What is the Role of Security Keys in SecOC?

Security keys are at the heart of SecOC, acting as the digital cornerstone for secure communication between a vehicle’s ECUs. They’re not just random strings of characters; they’re the cryptographic keys used for encryption, decryption, authentication, and ensuring data integrity. Without these keys, the whole SecOC system would crumble, leaving the vehicle vulnerable to cyberattacks. Think of them as the complex passwords that protect your most sensitive data, but for your car.

• Encryption and Decryption: Security keys are used to scramble (encrypt) data before it’s transmitted and unscramble (decrypt) it when it’s received. This ensures that only authorized ECUs with the correct keys can read the data, keeping sensitive information safe from prying eyes.
• Authentication: They verify the identity of the ECUs communicating with each other. By using security keys to create digital signatures or message authentication codes (MACs), the receiving ECU can be sure that the message is coming from a trusted source and hasn’t been tampered with.
• Integrity: Security keys help ensure that the data hasn’t been altered during transmission. By using cryptographic hash functions and security keys, the ECUs can create a unique “fingerprint” of the data. If the fingerprint changes, it means the data has been compromised.

Proper management of these security keys is paramount. They must be securely stored, protected from unauthorized access, and regularly updated to maintain a strong security posture. As highlighted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), robust key management practices are essential for effective cryptographic security.

12. How Does SecOC Handle Message Authentication Codes (MAC)?

SecOC heavily relies on Message Authentication Codes (MACs) to ensure the integrity and authenticity of messages exchanged between ECUs. Think of a MAC as a digital seal of approval that guarantees the message hasn’t been tampered with and comes from a trusted source. SecOC uses security keys to generate these MACs, adding an extra layer of protection.

• MAC Generation: When an ECU sends a message, it uses a security key and a cryptographic algorithm to generate a unique MAC for that message. This MAC is then appended to the message before it’s transmitted.
• MAC Verification: When the receiving ECU gets the message, it uses the same security key and cryptographic algorithm to calculate its own MAC based on the received message. It then compares its calculated MAC with the MAC that was sent with the message. If the two MACs match, it means the message hasn’t been altered during transmission and comes from a trusted source. If they don’t match, the message is rejected.
• Protection Against Attacks: MACs protect against various types of attacks, including tampering, replay attacks, and message injection. By verifying the MAC, the receiving ECU can be confident that the message is genuine and hasn’t been compromised.

MACs are a critical component of SecOC, providing a reliable way to ensure the integrity and authenticity of messages exchanged between ECUs.

13. What is the Role of Freshness Values in SecOC?

Freshness values are essential for preventing replay attacks in SecOC. A replay attack happens when a malicious actor intercepts a valid message and then re-transmits it later to cause harm. Freshness values act like a timestamp or a unique identifier that ensures each message is only valid for a specific time window or a single use.

• Preventing Replay Attacks: By including a freshness value in each message, the receiving ECU can detect and reject replayed messages. If the freshness value is outside the acceptable range or has already been used, the message is considered invalid.
• Types of Freshness Values: Freshness values can take various forms, such as timestamps, sequence numbers, or random numbers. Timestamps are based on the current time, while sequence numbers are incremented with each message. Random numbers are generated randomly for each message.
• Implementation: The freshness value is included in the calculation of the MAC, so any attempt to replay a message with an old freshness value will result in a MAC verification failure.

Freshness values are a simple but effective way to prevent replay attacks and enhance the security of SecOC.

14. How Does ECOM Handle Secure Diagnostic Sessions?

ECOM systems handle secure diagnostic sessions by implementing a series of security measures to protect the diagnostic process from unauthorized access and manipulation. This ensures that only authorized technicians with the correct credentials can perform diagnostic functions.

• Authentication: The diagnostic tool must first authenticate itself to the vehicle’s ECOM system. This typically involves providing a username and password or a digital certificate.
• Authorization: Once authenticated, the diagnostic tool must be authorized to perform specific diagnostic functions. This may involve unlocking certain security levels or obtaining special permissions.
• Encryption: All communication between the diagnostic tool and the vehicle’s ECOM system is encrypted to protect sensitive data from eavesdropping.
• Secure Boot: The vehicle’s ECOM system may use secure boot to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the diagnostic session.
• Intrusion Detection: The vehicle’s ECOM system may monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and take action to prevent or mitigate potential cyberattacks.

By implementing these security measures, ECOM systems can ensure that diagnostic sessions are secure and that only authorized technicians can access and manipulate vehicle data.

15. What are the Benefits of Using DTS-Monaco for SecOC?

Using DTS-Monaco for SecOC offers several advantages:

• Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities: DTS-Monaco provides a wide range of diagnostic functions, including fault code reading, data logging, and ECU programming.
• Secure Communication: DTS-Monaco supports secure communication protocols, ensuring that diagnostic sessions are protected from unauthorized access.
• User-Friendly Interface: DTS-Monaco has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for technicians to perform diagnostic tasks.
• Customization: DTS-Monaco can be customized to meet the specific needs of different vehicle manufacturers and models.
• Expert Support: DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN offers expert support and training for DTS-Monaco users, ensuring that technicians can effectively use the software to diagnose and repair vehicles.

16. How Does SecOC Impact Diagnostic Tool Compatibility?

SecOC can impact diagnostic tool compatibility by requiring diagnostic tools to support secure communication protocols and authentication mechanisms. Older diagnostic tools that do not support these features may not be able to communicate with SecOC-enabled vehicles.

• Hardware Requirements: Diagnostic tools may need to be equipped with specialized hardware, such as security modules, to support SecOC.
• Software Requirements: Diagnostic tools may need to be updated with software that supports secure communication protocols and authentication mechanisms.
• Licensing Requirements: Diagnostic tool manufacturers may need to obtain licenses from vehicle manufacturers to access SecOC-enabled functions.

To ensure compatibility with SecOC-enabled vehicles, it’s essential to use diagnostic tools that are specifically designed to support secure communication protocols and authentication mechanisms.

17. Can Unauthorized Diagnostic Tools Bypass SecOC?

While SecOC is designed to prevent unauthorized access to vehicle systems, sophisticated attackers may attempt to bypass these security measures using various techniques.

• Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Attackers may attempt to find and exploit vulnerabilities in the SecOC implementation to gain unauthorized access.
• Replay Attacks: Attackers may attempt to replay valid diagnostic messages to bypass authentication mechanisms.
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Attackers may attempt to intercept and modify diagnostic messages to gain unauthorized access.

To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to implement robust security measures, such as intrusion detection systems and regular security audits.

18. How to Update Security Keys in SecOC-Enabled Vehicles?

Updating security keys in SecOC-enabled vehicles is a critical process that must be performed securely and according to the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Authorized Diagnostic Tools: Security keys should only be updated using authorized diagnostic tools and software.
• Secure Communication: The key update process should be performed over a secure communication channel to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
• Key Management System: Vehicle manufacturers typically have a key management system in place to generate and distribute security keys to authorized service providers.
• Regular Updates: Security keys should be updated regularly to maintain a strong security posture.

Failure to properly update security keys can result in security vulnerabilities and potential cyberattacks.

19. What are the Future Trends in SecOC for Automotive Diagnostics?

The future of SecOC in automotive diagnostics is likely to be shaped by several key trends:

• Increased Security: As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, SecOC will need to evolve to provide even stronger security measures.
• Standardization: Efforts are underway to standardize SecOC protocols and interfaces to improve interoperability and reduce complexity.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI and machine learning techniques may be used to detect and prevent cyberattacks in real-time.
• Over-the-Air Updates: SecOC will play an increasingly important role in securing over-the-air software updates.
• Collaboration: Collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, diagnostic tool providers, and cybersecurity experts will be essential to ensure the ongoing security of automotive systems.

20. Where Can I Learn More About SecOC and DTS-Monaco?

To learn more about SecOC and DTS-Monaco, visit DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN. We offer comprehensive training courses, expert support, and a wealth of resources to help you master SecOC and stay ahead of the curve in automotive diagnostics. Whether you’re a seasoned technician or just starting out, DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN has everything you need to succeed in the world of automotive cybersecurity.

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21. How Does SecOC Relate to AUTOSAR?

SecOC is deeply integrated with AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture), a standardized software architecture for automotive ECUs. AUTOSAR provides a framework for developing and integrating software components in a modular and scalable manner, and SecOC builds upon this framework to provide secure communication between ECUs.

• AUTOSAR Security Stack: AUTOSAR defines a security stack that includes various security modules, such as Crypto Service Manager (CSM), Identity and Access Management (IAM), and Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC).
• SecOC Module: The SecOC module in AUTOSAR provides a standardized interface for securing communication between ECUs. It supports various security mechanisms, such as authentication, encryption, and message authentication codes (MACs).
• Integration with Other Modules: The SecOC module is integrated with other AUTOSAR modules, such as Communication Manager (COM) and Diagnostic Communication Manager (DCM), to provide a comprehensive security solution.

By leveraging the AUTOSAR framework, SecOC can be easily integrated into existing automotive systems, providing a standardized and scalable security solution.

22. What are the Limitations of SecOC?

Despite its benefits, SecOC has some limitations:

• Complexity: SecOC implementations can be complex, requiring specialized expertise to design, implement, and maintain.
• Performance Overhead: Security mechanisms can introduce performance overhead, potentially impacting the real-time performance of critical vehicle functions.
• Key Management: Securely managing cryptographic keys is essential to prevent unauthorized access and compromise of the system.
• Evolvability: SecOC implementations must be able to evolve to keep pace with emerging cyber threats and changing security requirements.

Addressing these limitations requires careful planning, thorough testing, and ongoing monitoring of the system’s security posture.

23. What is the Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Cryptography in SecOC?

SecOC uses both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography to secure communication between ECUs.

• Symmetric Cryptography: Symmetric cryptography uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. It’s faster and more efficient than asymmetric cryptography but requires a secure way to exchange the key between the communicating parties.
• Asymmetric Cryptography: Asymmetric cryptography uses two different keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key can be freely distributed, while the private key must be kept secret. Asymmetric cryptography is more secure than symmetric cryptography but is also slower and more computationally intensive.

SecOC typically uses asymmetric cryptography for key exchange and authentication and symmetric cryptography for encrypting the actual data being transmitted.

24. How Does SecOC Address Data Privacy Concerns?

SecOC addresses data privacy concerns by encrypting sensitive data transmitted between ECUs, preventing unauthorized access and disclosure.

• Encryption: Encryption protects the confidentiality of the data by encoding it into an unreadable format, preventing eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
• Access Control: SecOC can implement access control mechanisms to restrict access to sensitive data to authorized personnel and tools.
• Data Masking: SecOC can mask or redact sensitive data to protect the privacy of individuals.
• Compliance: SecOC implementations must comply with relevant data privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA.

By implementing these measures, SecOC can help protect the privacy of vehicle occupants and prevent the misuse of their personal data.

25. How Does SecOC Handle Error Handling and Fault Tolerance?

SecOC includes mechanisms for error handling and fault tolerance to ensure reliable communication between ECUs, even in the presence of errors or failures.

• Error Detection: SecOC can detect errors in transmitted data using checksums, message authentication codes (MACs), and other error detection techniques.
• Error Correction: SecOC can correct errors in transmitted data using error correction codes (ECC).
• Redundancy: SecOC can use redundancy to provide fault tolerance. For example, critical data can be transmitted over multiple communication channels to ensure that it’s received even if one channel fails.
• Fallback Mechanisms: SecOC can use fallback mechanisms to ensure that critical functions continue to operate even if the primary communication channel fails.

By implementing these error handling and fault tolerance mechanisms, SecOC can ensure reliable communication between ECUs, even in harsh automotive environments.

26. What Security Standards and Regulations Apply to SecOC?

SecOC implementations must comply with various security standards and regulations, including:

• ISO 21434: This international standard specifies requirements for cybersecurity engineering in automotive systems.
• SAE J3061: This SAE Recommended Practice provides guidance on cybersecurity best practices for automotive systems.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: This framework provides a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity risk management.
• GDPR: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union regulation that protects the privacy of individuals’ personal data.
• CCPA: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a California law that protects the privacy of California residents’ personal data.

Compliance with these standards and regulations is essential to ensure the security and privacy of automotive systems.

27. What are the Challenges of Implementing SecOC in Legacy Vehicles?

Implementing SecOC in legacy vehicles can be challenging due to the limitations of their existing hardware and software architectures.

• Limited Processing Power: Legacy vehicles may have limited processing power, making it difficult to implement complex cryptographic algorithms.
• Limited Memory: Legacy vehicles may have limited memory, making it difficult to store security keys and other security-related data.
• Lack of Standardization: Legacy vehicles may lack standardized communication interfaces, making it difficult to integrate SecOC modules.
• Cost: Retrofitting legacy vehicles with SecOC can be expensive, making it difficult to justify the cost.

Despite these challenges, it’s possible to implement SecOC in legacy vehicles using a variety of techniques, such as software updates and hardware upgrades.

28. How Does SecOC Work with Different Communication Protocols (CAN, Ethernet, etc.)?

SecOC can be implemented with different communication protocols, such as CAN (Controller Area Network) and Ethernet.

• CAN: SecOC can be implemented on CAN using various techniques, such as CANcrypt and CANoe.CAN.
• Ethernet: SecOC can be implemented on Ethernet using various techniques, such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) and IPsec (Internet Protocol Security).

The specific implementation of SecOC will depend on the communication protocol being used and the security requirements of the system.

29. What is the Role of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) in SecOC?

Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) play a crucial role in SecOC by providing a secure environment for storing and managing cryptographic keys and performing cryptographic operations.

• Secure Key Storage: HSMs provide secure storage for cryptographic keys, protecting them from unauthorized access and theft.
• Cryptographic Processing: HSMs perform cryptographic operations, such as encryption, decryption, and message authentication code (MAC) generation, in a secure and tamper-resistant environment.
• Compliance: HSMs help SecOC implementations comply with various security standards and regulations.

HSMs are an essential component of SecOC in applications where high levels of security are required.

30. How Can I Get Started with SecOC and DTS-Monaco for Automotive Diagnostics?

Getting started with SecOC and DTS-Monaco for automotive diagnostics is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin your journey:

1. Understand the Basics of SecOC:
   • Start by learning about the fundamental concepts of Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC).
   • Familiarize yourself with the key components, such as authentication, encryption, and message authentication codes (MACs).
2. Explore DTS-Monaco Software:
   • Discover the capabilities of DTS-Monaco, a powerful diagnostic and programming tool used in the automotive industry.
   • Understand how it supports secure communication protocols and enhances diagnostic processes.
3. Enroll in a Training Course:
   • Consider joining a training course offered by DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN.
   • Our courses provide hands-on experience and expert guidance to help you master SecOC and DTS-Monaco.
4. Hands-On Practice:
   • Practice using DTS-Monaco with SecOC-enabled vehicles.
   • Experiment with secure diagnostic sessions and ECU programming to gain confidence and practical skills.
5. Stay Updated:
   • Keep up with the latest security standards and regulations in the automotive industry.
   • Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums to stay informed about emerging threats and best practices.
6. Join the Community:
   • Connect with other professionals in the field.
   • Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from others to expand your knowledge and network.

By following these steps, you can embark on a successful journey into SecOC and DTS-Monaco for automotive diagnostics. DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN is here to support you every step of the way with expert training, resources, and a community of like-minded professionals.

Diagram showing the structure of a secured I-PDU.

Ready to dive deeper? Contact us at Address: 275 N Harrison St, Chandler, AZ 85225, United States. Whatsapp: +1 (641) 206-8880. Website: DTS-MONACO.EDU.VN to explore our software, training programs, and comprehensive services. Secure your future in automotive diagnostics today!

FAQ: Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC)

1. What is the primary purpose of SecOC in automotive systems?
SecOC primarily aims to ensure the security and integrity of communication between ECUs within a vehicle, protecting against unauthorized access and manipulation.

2. How does SecOC protect against replay attacks?
SecOC uses freshness values, such as timestamps or sequence numbers, to ensure that each message is unique and prevent attackers from replaying old messages.

3. What is a Message Authentication Code (MAC) in SecOC?
A MAC is a cryptographic checksum that ensures the integrity and authenticity of a message. If the MAC doesn’t match upon receipt, it indicates tampering or corruption.

4. What role do security keys play in SecOC?
Security keys are used for encryption, decryption, authentication, and generating MACs. They are essential for securing communication channels between ECUs.

5. How does DTS-Monaco support SecOC?
DTS-MONACO provides advanced diagnostic and programming capabilities that are compatible with secure communication protocols, allowing secure diagnostic sessions and ECU flashing.

6. What are some common challenges in implementing SecOC?
Challenges include the complexity of cryptographic algorithms, performance overhead, secure key management, and ensuring compatibility between different ECUs.

7. What types of communication protocols does SecOC work with?
SecOC can be implemented with various communication protocols, including CAN (Controller Area Network) and Ethernet.

8. What standards and regulations apply to SecOC implementations?
Standards include ISO 21434 and SAE J3061, as well as data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, which guide cybersecurity engineering in automotive systems.

9. Can unauthorized diagnostic tools bypass SecOC?
While SecOC is designed to prevent unauthorized access, sophisticated attackers may attempt to bypass security measures by exploiting vulnerabilities or performing replay attacks.

10. How can I update security keys in SecOC-enabled vehicles?
Security keys should only be updated using authorized diagnostic tools and software, following the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for secure key management.