You may have noticed that almost every technical article that explores a particular topic in the complex field of vehicle cybersecurity begins with the same observation. Namely, that today’s vehicles (unlike in the past) are complex, digitally connected systems in which countless control units communicate with each other. That’s the starting point for this guest article, in which we’d like to introduce you to the resulting testing challenges and a small black rectangular box, the dissecto Hydralink. Ready? Curtain up.
Dr. Nils Weiß
Until the 1970s and 1980s, vehicles were almost entirely mechanical systems. In the 2000s, however, automotive technology developed rapidly. Electronic systems have become increasingly common in vehicles and are now an integral part of today’s highly connected vehicles.
This technological development, which has reached or will reach its peak with high-resolution cameras, a wide range of sensors and the latest driver assistance systems and autonomous driving functions, poses a fundamental challenge. The challenge is to ensure that the associated information, communication and control functions operate reliably and securely.
The starting point: from CAN bus to gigabit data transfer
The network architectures of the past were mainly based on CAN, LIN and Flexray, protocols and systems that controlled essential functions such as engine management, ABS and airbags in older vehicles. The associated transmission rates, often only up to 10 Mbps, were considered revolutionary at the time, but have now reached their limits. The functions, sensors and control units in modern vehicles require much higher bandwidths and lower latencies. Just think of the high-resolution cameras and associated sensors that need to process huge amounts of data in real time to enable functions such as lane departure warning without interruption or error.
In 2015, the 100BASE-T1 standard, often referred to as BroadR-Reach, was officially introduced. A data rate of 100 Mbps over a single twisted pair cable paved the way for efficient networking in vehicles. The 1000BASE-T1 standard, which was developed later, is even more powerful. It enables even higher data transfer rates of 1000 Mbps, or one gigabit per second. These increases in bandwidth performance are essential to meet the growing demands for data transfer and connectivity in industry.
Automotive Ethernet: Here to stay.
OK, let’s face it: the automotive industry is now increasingly relying on Ethernet-based network architectures as standard to efficiently transfer rapidly growing amounts of data.
This development brings with it new challenges (and opportunities). Unpack a standard RJ45 network cable, plug the car into a standard computer and you’re connected? Unfortunately not.
Especially when it comes to simulating, analysing and troubleshooting such Automotive Ethernet networks, data communication over Automotive Ethernet has been a major technical challenge.
Initially, the implementation required the use of media converters in the vehicle, which had to be configured manually using DIP switches. Then a separate Ethernet connection to the PC had to be established, requiring an additional USB-to-Ethernet adapter. A suitable power supply also had to be provided to avoid overloading the vehicle’s electrical system. Often an external 12V source had to be used. Sounds complicated and error-prone? It is, or rather it was. In particular, the need to correctly configure the DIP switches was a recurring problem, as incorrect settings required re-setting. This was particularly time-consuming when the components in question were installed in hard-to-reach areas of the vehicle, and it was important to avoid unintentionally loosening cable connections.
This highlights the need for dedicated hardware that reduces complexity.
Only specialised interface solutions can meet the physical and protocol-specific requirements of Automotive Ethernet while interacting with the network in real time.
That’s why you need HydraLink.
Hi, HydraLink. Please introduce yourself.
The HydraLink from dissecto was developed to meet exactly these challenges. The handy hardware connects a standard PC/notebook directly to a vehicle’s Ethernet network via plug-and-play, without the need for additional adapters, converters or even an external power supply. It supports both 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 and enables lossless, bi-directional communication with ECUs, sensors or other network components.
For those readers who are saying to themselves, ‘I don’t need to read any further. I want it. I want to see it in action’ – let us interject here briefly:
- We strive to match HydraLink production exactly to the demand. Without wasting material or taking financial risks, with a focus on quality and our commitment to focus on engineering. The CrowdSupply funding model is a great platform to bring users and us together. A contribution to the HydraLink product is only due if the funding target is reached with the help of a sufficient number of motivated backers (which we currently strongly expect!). No risk of partial deliveries or failed campaigns. Go to HydraLink on Crowd Supply
- Want to see the Dissecto HydraLink live and in colour (maybe with a refreshing hop-based drink in hand)? This is possible at the upcoming ScapyCon 25 from 23rd to 25th September 2025 in Regensburg (Germany). Last year, nearly 100 participants from all over the world came to explore the potential of Scapy, a fascinating packet manipulation tool, in a hands-on way. Not only to delve deeper into the functionalities of network packet manipulation with Scapy, but also to explore the topic of security testing and vulnerabilities in more detail in lectures and hands-on workshops – with a special focus on the HydraLink used here. Go to the ScapyCon 2025 event website
Taking vehicle security testing to the next level: dissecto HydraLink for precise vehicle network analysis
The ability to integrate HydraLink directly into the vehicle network opens up a wide range of applications, making the hardware interesting for those responsible for security and testing, but also for fault diagnosis and prototyping.
From reading diagnostic data in real time, simulating network loads, manipulating data traffic and provoking faults, to analysing system behaviour under critical conditions, a wide range of methods for developing and testing the security of vehicle systems can be conveniently implemented.
A key benefit of using HydraLink is the low latency of data processing, allowing live monitoring of information and communication flows and the ability to react to anomalies.
By integrating the HydraLink hardware like a native network interface of the computer, it fits seamlessly into existing analysis tools.
At the same time, HydraLink’s ease of use makes life much easier for engineers and developers. There is no need for the complicated setup mentioned above; a simple USB connection is all that is required. It is configured entirely from within the software, ensuring that the system is up and running quickly.
(Ethical) vehicle hacking with the dissecto HydraLink
The fact that the HydraLink is not just a theoretical tool for experienced developers, but is also designed to enable beginners to access modern vehicle networks, is also underlined by the growing confidence within the automotive industry to use the hardware in real professional scenarios.
For example, the BreachLabz team, world-renowned experts in vehicle penetration testing, are already using the dissecto HydraLink in their (Ethical) Vehicle Hacking training. The experienced security and pentesting experts (and those who want to become one) use the HydraLink to teach professional approaches to vulnerability and security assessments, and simply to promote understanding of the network and traffic flows around the vehicle.
Sum up (+ invitation to Regensburg)
The increasing connectivity of automotive systems, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, requires new approaches for the efficient development, diagnosis and security testing of network architectures and data streams. The dissecto Hydralink provides a simple yet powerful solution for analysing, manipulating and troubleshooting modern automotive Ethernet systems.
Minimal configuration effort and direct integration into existing test environments greatly simplify the development process. At the same time, the device opens up completely new possibilities for security analysis by directly manipulating and monitoring vehicle data traffic.
Whether for traditional vehicle and system development processes, debugging or cybersecurity testing, HydraLink enables more accurate, efficient and secure testing of today’s Automotive Ethernet-based vehicle systems.
Experience for yourself its unparalleled real-world relevance and value. Get to know HydraLink also as part of ScapyCon 25, which dissecto organises together with CYEQT Knowledge Base for the second time in Regensburg from 23rd to 25th September 2025.
