The MIPI Alliance has announced the release of the MIPI Camera Security Framework, aimed at adding end-to-end security to automotive systems using the MIPI Camera Serial Interface 2 (CSI-2). This framework addresses cybersecurity threats critical to advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems, where protecting image sensor data is essential to vehicle safety. The framework counters risks such as unauthorized sensor installation, data tampering, and privacy breaches.
The new framework supports robust authentication, data integrity, and encryption. It provides flexible security options, allowing developers to balance security needs with system performance, power consumption, and processing efficiency. Unlike other methods that secure only the link layer, this framework ensures “silicon-to-silicon” protection from the sensor to the system-on-chip (SoC), regardless of the network setup.
This flexibility extends to frame-based security, enabling developers to apply full or partial data integrity and encryption to specific parts of an image frame. Designed for automotive use, the framework is also suitable for IoT, industrial, and machine-vision applications using CSI-2 sensors.
The framework comprises three specifications, with a fourth on the way:
- MIPI Camera Service Extensions (MIPI CSE) v2.0: Adds data integrity and encryption for CSI-2 data.
- MIPI Camera Security v1.0: Manages system security using SPDM authentication.
- MIPI Camera Security Profiles v1.0: Defines interoperable security profiles for the framework.
- MIPI Command and Control Interface Service Extensions (MIPI CCISE) v1.0 (under development): Will add integrity protection and encryption for MIPI CCI.
This release is a key addition to the MIPI Automotive SerDes Solutions (MASS) stack, complementing existing functional safety services. According to MIPI Alliance Chair Sanjiv Desai, this framework offers a standardized approach to camera security, replacing the need for proprietary solutions with adaptable, end-to-end protection.
The development was led by MIPI’s Security Working Group, alongside leading technology companies like Intel, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Bosch, and Sony. More details, including a white paper and webinar resources, are available on the MIPI website.
