Automotive Security
IT security in vehicles is currently undergoing rapid change: new communication interfaces, technologies, and constantly evolving regulatory frameworks are influencing security in the automotive environment. This project investigates how novel requirements — such as real-time communication and post-quantum cryptography — can be meaningfully integrated. To this end, protocol analyses, security tests, and risk modeling are used. The project aims to generate relevant research results that will serve as a foundation for a doctoral dissertation.
The project is funded by Star Engineering GmbH.
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End Device Security Proxy (ESP)
The project End Device Security Proxy (Endgeräte Security Proxy, ESP), funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), pursues the goal of retrofitting older industrial and IoT devices (so-called legacy devices) with modern security features. For this purpose, an End Device Security Proxy (ESP) is being developed, which is placed in front of the actual legacy device and takes over all security functions. A management component acts as an administration server that manages numerous ESPs, securely forwards data traffic, and coordinates software updates as well as system visualization.
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Smart Factory Grids (SFG)
Smart Factory Grids is a research program funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. It aims to achieve a visionary, dynamically distributed production environment within autonomous, adaptive, and resilient systems. One focus is on network security and real-time communication to enable highly flexible processes and short setup times in networked manufacturing systems. The program also analyzes complex dependency relationships in industrial environments to ensure the reliability and performance of distributed production structures. As an interdisciplinary research network, it provides innovative momentum for the Baden-Württemberg industrial region and for the future development of global manufacturing.
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FH-Personal
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences is participating in the BMBF project “Qualification and Development of Professorial Staff at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences for Pioneering Topics,” which is part of the federal–state funding program “FH-Personal.” As part of this project, subject-specific clusters were formed in which professors, doctoral candidates, and postdocs work together with companies and universities on future-oriented topics. One of these focus areas is IT security, in which Prof. Dr. Heer, in close cooperation with Prof. Dr. Menth (University of Tübingen), conducts research to develop innovative solutions for the secure operation of modern, networked systems.
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