BlackBerry Touts Cybersecurity of New Operating System for Cars

BlackBerry Ltd. says the latest operating system from its QNX subsidiary offers advanced security for in-car software by enabling developers to partition off safety-related functions from less critical features—and run both groups on the same chip.

The platform, called QNX Hypervisor 2.0, puts critical software into “virtual containers.” The architecture shields safety-critical operations from being seized by hackers who break into other channels, such as the infotainment system.

BlackBerry says Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has incorporated WNX Hypervisor 2.0 with its own Snapdragon 820Am automotive platform. The result is a system that allows safety-critical instrument cluster functions to share the same chip with infotainment features, while isolating each area from the other, according to the companies.

The new QNX operating software also is well-suited for industrial automation and medical equipment control, according to BlackBerry.