VIDEO: BLACKBERRY LAUNCHED A NEW SOFTWARE THAT FINDS FLAWS IN CONNECTED CARS

As cars become more reliant on software, it is crucial for automakers to make sure their code is as secure as possible. It is somewhat surprising for a company like BlackBerry to come out with a potential solution. The company's CEO, John Chen, recently announced at a keynote at the North American International Automotive Show (NAIAS), that BlackBerry has a new cloud-based tool called Jarvis that can scan the complex software required for modern, connected autonomous cars.

Jarvis works by scanning the automotive binary code to identify security vulnerabilities in the software used in modern and upcoming cars, much of which is written by third-party suppliers. BlackBerry claims it can scan and deliver insights in minutes, reducing the time in one case study from more than 30 days to just seven minutes. "Connected and autonomous vehicles require some of the most complex software ever developed," said Chen, "creating a significant challenge for automakers who must ensure the code complies with industry and manufacturer-specific standards while simultaneously battle-hardening a very large and tempting attack surface for cybercriminals."

Once a car company signs up for Jarvis, it can be customised for their own needs across their entire software supply chain, letting car companies scan files for problems at all stages of development. BlackBerry is initially targeting automakers, and the tech could help with many other industries, scanning the complex software behind healthcare, industrial automation, aerospace and military defence projects, for example.

You can learn more about BlackBerry's Jarvis software by watching the introduction video below.