thyssenkrupp Presta AG develops steering systems for over 20 million vehicles annually. evolutionID provided the ideal combination of RFID and PKI for central identity management across multiple international locations.
Modern steering systems are the specialty of thyssenkrupp Presta AG, Liechtenstein. For the precise control of modern vehicles, a multitude of system components must work together seamlessly – just as it is indispensable for a central identity management system. Here, the evolutionID team went a step further and found the best combination of RFID and PKI (2FA).
The thyssenkrupp Presta AG is one of the world's most successful manufacturers of steering systems and a technology leader in the field of mass forming. Steering systems are developed and produced for over 20 million vehicles annually. Eschen, Liechtenstein, with approximately 2,500 employees, is the company's center.
The automotive landscape is characterized by autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification. In Liechtenstein, the team focuses on shaping these megatrends. New development trends in chassis and steering will also be pursued and brought to market readiness there in the future. Based on these steering technologies, current development projects such as steer-by-wire and the further development of assistance systems as a precursor to autonomous driving are being further advanced.
thyssenkrupp Presta AG has a diverse and international organizational structure: In addition to its headquarters in Eschen, Liechtenstein, there are other locations in Mexico, Hungary, and Germany. Globally, 10,000 employees work on the mobility of the future across 21 locations on 4 continents.
The security infrastructure has grown and, due to acquisitions and divestitures, is dynamic and heterogeneous. Furthermore, the legal norms of each location must be observed, for example, regarding cryptography.
The requirements for a central identity management system are also diverse: It includes not only access control but also secure PC login via smart card and automatic workstation locking upon departure.
Specifically for thyssenkrupp Presta AG, evolutionID developed a solution based on a dual interface smart card with the JCOP (Java Card Open Platform) card operating system. The single-chip solution operates using DESFire EV1 and Legic Card-in-Card technologies, which are deployed depending on existing technology and preference. PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) functions, such as PC logins or encrypted emails, are also available via a Cryptovision applet. An existing PKI was utilized during implementation.
Access control is implemented via a Legic or DESFire application, depending on the location. For each technology, the respective keys are generated and managed in a secure environment. To overcome external perimeter security, there is a globally unified access application for both technologies.
The new ID Management System, based on IDfunction, provides a central database with production and administration workstations distributed across the locations. This allows data changes and new entries to be conveniently performed manually or automatically on-site, without the risk of duplicate data or inconsistencies. Changes or card blockages are immediately effective throughout the entire security network.
The extensive installation includes various local and global interfaces, for example, for the integration of HR databases, time tracking systems, or vending machines.
„The synergy of IDfunction and vSEC CMS combines the best of the RFID and PKI worlds for two-factor authentication. Applying the certificate for two-factor authentication to the employee card within minutes during the card production process is a real game changer. evolutionID delivered a system precisely tailored to our needs, elegantly integrating existing technology, streamlining our internal processes, and preventing security vulnerabilities."
— Michael Römischer, Head of Site Security, thyssenkrupp Presta AG
