WO2017132743A1

WO2017132743A1 - Safety adapter and method for an automotive vehicle network

Info

Publication number: WO2017132743A1
Application number: PCT/BR2017/050022
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matheus Falleiros De Almeida Valladão FLORES
Original assignee: Flores Matheus Falleiros De Almeida Valladão
Priority date: 2016-02-05
Filing date: 2017-02-03
Publication date: 2017-08-10

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety adapter (33) for an automotive vehicle network equipped with a diagnostic port (21) giving access to the automotive vehicle network, the safety adapter (33) comprising: a first connector (22) connected to the diagnostic port (21) of the automotive vehicle; a control unit (23) connected to the first connector (22) by a first group of conductors (31a); and a second connector (25) connected to the control unit (23) by a second group of connectors (31b), the control unit (23) being designed to release or block data transmission between the first connector (22) and the second connector (25) by verification of a password input by a user via the second connector (25). The present invention further relates to a safety method for an automotive vehicle network.

Description

ADAPTER AND SAFETY METHOD FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE NETWORK

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to an adapter and a safety method for application to motor vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adapter and a safety method which enables the protection of a motor vehicle network by means of an electromechanical solution.

State of the Art

[002] The level of automation and the use of embedded electronics in vehicles is becoming increasingly common in today's society. Expert data show that for some time automotive vehicle costs have been reaching hitherto only proportions in the aircraft industry, where vehicle costs are equally divided into body costs, engine / transmission costs and embedded electronics costs ( Wolf, W. 2007 The embedded systems landscape (Computer, 40 (10) pp. 29-31.).

Even the most popular vehicles on the market no longer have simple electromechanical systems, but more complex systems that monitor and control their operation. This evolution has brought a significant improvement in efficiency and performance, but has introduced a new front of potential risks that have not yet been properly considered and addressed.

In this sense, the vast majority of today's vehicles have an OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) diagnostic system comprising, among others, OBD-II, EOBD2, JOBD, ADR79 / 01, ADR79 / 02. It is a second generation system that is connected to a vehicle network, which is necessary for periodic maintenance on the vehicle. This interface for testing is usually different from other vehicle systems. The OBD-II connector has been standard on all North American and European light vehicles since 2003 and can be found on the vast majority of vehicles produced today. This connector has a trapezoidal shape and 16 connection pins and includes predetermined pins for ISO 15765-4 CAN (Controller Area Network), ISO 9141-2 K-Line and SAE J1850 networks, as well as unspecified pins freely used by system builders. additional diagnostic So a connection to this port is simple, unhindered and provides access to the vehicular network. The CAN communication network is physically composed of two twisted or untwisted wires, galvanically coupled or uncoupled, and two terminating resistors at the ends where nodes connect to it and transmit data on the network. Like other networks, the CAN network uses a binary system for recessive and dominant states of voltage levels and has a collision control system, but in the CAN network any node can attempt to transmit on the network at any time, not requiring a central node. Speeds of up to IMbits / s are expected for lines up to 40m, and even single-wire transmission, which is less widely used. The market is increasingly adopting the CAN network because of its versatility and simplicity and, as such, can be found today in most vehicles. Already the K-Line network is composed of a serial and bi-directional transmission wire, without collision control, and which, although older, is still widely found in new vehicles. Through it is also possible to have access to electronic systems of vehicles.

[005] Vehicle network access can be accomplished through a wide range of methods, such as physical or remote connections, through connections to the diagnostic port. In addition, wireless communication channels also allow short and long distance access to vehicle control and communication systems.

[006] A malicious attack intended to control the vehicle's electronic functions may allow the vehicle to be stolen, assaulted, hijacked, and even cause accidents, intentional or otherwise. As already mentioned, this attack can be performed in various ways, such as physical or remote connections, connections to the diagnostics port, audio systems, Bluetooth, cellular or radio.

Due to the lack of safety of the vehicle network, the injection of a suitable signal through the diagnostics port connected to the vehicle network makes it possible to control virtually any electronic component of the vehicle. This includes, in addition to other systems, brakes, throttle and door locking.

Thus, it is possible for an attacker to install a wireless device within the diagnostics port within seconds and have remote access to all vehicle systems. It is also possible to install a device in other areas of the diagnostic network, such as the ABS brake terminals, also providing access to the vehicle network and its consequent control.

[009] Thus, the automotive industry, which increasingly relies on electronic systems connected to easily accessible communication networks, has made it possible for security flaws to merit attention, resulting in an increasing openness to remote attacks. In order to address this serious problem, several alternative methods for increasing vehicle safety have been proposed, such as those commented below.

[011] German patent document DE 2 020,120,033,36 describes a system that alters the order of OBD-II port pin connections to prevent connection attempts in the event of theft, but does not prevent a attacker can access the vehicular network by connecting directly to the wires.

DE 20 2012 009432, DE 20 2013 000205, DE 20 2014 001790 and US 2007/0152503 patent documents provide OBD door locking covers to prevent mechanical access to it. These solutions, in addition to being easily circumvented by criminals through access to exposed wiring behind the connector, have the risk of causing serious damage to vehicle systems by attempting forced removal.

German patent document DE 202,014, 104,646 describes a system that creates a fake OBD-II port to be installed in the default position and a button that reverses the connections to the originals to allow legitimate diagnostic sessions. Such a solution allows a breach in cases where there is a prolonged period of access to the system, allowing to locate the actuation button or to discover the changes of the connections through measurements of electrical properties in the network terminals. In addition, this solution involves considerable physical work as well as changing standard vehicle components.

International publication WO 2,012,090,229 describes a driver authentication system having an authentication apparatus to be connected with the OBD interface, a technically complex and error prone software solution.

[015] Of these systems, none of them is capable of ensuring passenger safety in the event of an external attack by means of a control signal incorporating the vehicle code, in which case it would be possible to open the doors or even to activate them. of the alarm.

[016] In an attempt to solve these problems, systems have been developed that are potentially more dangerous as they are subject to software failures that can disrupt vehicular communications lines, leading to serious accidents.

[017] US Patent 6,314,351 describes a firewall system between a vehicle's computer and its application software, and the vehicle's network and vehicle components. The firewall prevents unauthorized access via software on the vehicle computer, vehicle network and vehicle components.

US Patent 7,717,261 describes a method of controlling a vehicle through the use of firewalls connected to the vehicle network. WO2014061021 proposes a device for detecting and preventing an attack on a vehicle that monitors several vehicle sensors in real time, stores data in a database, and has an action unit that alerts or interrupts communications. between systems in case of an attack.

Finally, US Patent Application US 2016/0019389 describes a system consisting of a male-female OBD connector containing a microcontroller and a method for detecting messages from attacks on a CAN network in OBD-II. The system establishes a list of incoming CAN messages, called a whitelist, and a blacklist of messages, respectively. Once a message has been received, the system updates the statistical data and determines whether the message is inbound or outbound. If the message is input from an external device, the system compares the message with the white stripe, and forwards the message to the network if it is whitelisted. If the message is outgoing, the system compares it to the blacklist and warns a mobile device of the risk. CAN codes enable 16 ¹⁹ code possibilities that transit the network at a rate of 500kbps. Only processing this data already significantly increases the complexity of the solution, but you must know all vehicle-specific codes and separate them into allowed and disallowed codes. In addition, through the external connection that allows updates to these lists, any message can potentially be passed through. Still, it is not protected from attacks through other networks such as K-Line.

[021] Based on the state of the art it can be concluded that there is no solution that effectively protects the occupants of a vehicle against any unauthorized external access, and that attempts to do so have created even greater risks to their safety.

Objectives of the Invention

It is a general object of the invention to provide a safety device and method for a motor vehicle network that overcomes or at least minimizes problems and fills in the gaps in the state of the art.

It is a specific object of the invention to provide a safety device and method for protecting the network of a motor vehicle, including the diagnostic port, which does not permit clandestine communication with the vehicle's electrical and electronic systems.

It is also a specific object of the invention to provide a device and method capable of monitoring the network of a motor vehicle in order to provide greater security to its by providing information on the operating and operating parameters of said vehicle.

It is yet another specific object of the invention to provide a safety device and method capable of simultaneously providing protection of a motor vehicle's network as well as monitoring it, in an economically viable manner, relatively low costs and reduced assembly and hand time. .

General Description of the Invention

[026] One or more of the above objectives are achieved by means of a safety adapter for a motor vehicle network, the motor vehicle being provided with a diagnostics port capable of allowing access to the motor vehicle network, the adapter. safety device comprising: a first connector connected to the diagnostic port of the motor vehicle; a control unit connected to the first connector via a first set of conductors; and a second connector connected to the control unit via a second set of conductors, the control unit being configured to release or prevent data transmission between the first connector and the second connector by verifying a password entered by a user in the second connector.

[027] One or more of the above objectives are also achieved by means of a security method for a motor vehicle network comprising the following steps:

- connect a safety adapter to a diagnostic port capable of allowing access to the motor vehicle network;

- wrap the safety adapter, connecting wires / cables and terminals through protective receptacles and protective enclosures; and

- allow or deny access to the diagnostic port by password verification entered by a user into a connector operatively associated with the diagnostic port through the security adapter.

[028] Thus, the proposed invention solves the aforementioned serious problems by means of an adapter and security method based on electronic and mechanical control of vehicle network access.

More specifically, the invention is provided with means that prevent or at least impede unauthorized physical / mechanical access to the vehicular network, and request a password for electronic access and signal transmission through the diagnostic port. Description of the Figures

For a better understanding of the features of the proposed invention, the following is a non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment thereof, accompanied by a set of figures, wherein:

[031] Figure 1 is the flowchart of the adapter's electronic protection algorithm and security method for a motor vehicle network, objects of the present invention.

[032] Figure 2 is the flowchart of the adapter monitoring algorithm and security method of the present invention.

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the mechanical protection of the safety adapter of the present invention in a perspective view and a side (schematic) view, respectively.

[034] Figure 4 is the mechanical protection assembly flowchart of the safety adapter of the present invention.

[035] Figure 5 illustrates the assembly of the electrical-electronic part of the safety adapter of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[036] Initially, it should be noted that the "motor vehicle network" of the invention refers to an internal electric / electronic network of the motor vehicle, to which a plurality of electrical and / or electronic components / elements / devices are connected, such as , for example, sensors, alarms, battery, fuse box, electronic controls, intelligent systems, electric steering, among others. Preferably, the motor vehicle network meets the OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) standard, particularly OBD II.

[037] As can be seen from figure 3b, the motor vehicle is provided with a diagnostic port (21) capable of allowing access to the motor vehicle network. In other words, the diagnostic port (21) is capable of diagnosing the various vehicle / electrical / electronic components / elements / devices connected to your network. Preferably, the diagnostic port 21 is an OBD compliant female type, particularly OBD II.

Still according to figures 3b and 5, a safety adapter (33) object of the invention is illustrated, comprising a first connector (22) connected to the diagnostic port (21) of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the first connector 22 is an OBD compliant male type, particularly OBD II. Still according to figures 3b and 5, the safety adapter (33) is provided with a control unit (23) comprising a microcontroller or a programmable microprocessor or an electronic circuit having components and associated elements therebetween. configured to perform and / or allow protection and monitoring actions to be performed as described below. The control unit (23) is connected to the first connector (22) via a first set of conductors (31a).

[040] The safety adapter (33) further comprises a second connector (25) connected to the control unit (23) by means of a second set of conductors (31b), as shown in figures 3b and 5. Preferably, the second connector (25) is an OBD compliant female type, particularly OBD II.

[041] The control unit (23) is configured to release or prevent data transmission between the first connector (22) and the second connector (25) by verifying a user-entered password on the second connector (25). This password validation is a simple and optimized process, which requires less resources and costs, as it does not require a high processing capacity as in the state of the art. In addition, it is not necessary for the user to know all vehicle-specific codes and to separate them into allowed and disallowed codes, as it also occurs in the state of the art, as the user simply has to know a password to authenticate. Also, in view of the fact that the solution of the invention does not require any external connection means to update code lists, there is no way to pass any message that puts the vehicle or passengers at risk. Thus, the advantages brought by the invention over the state of the art are notorious.

[042] Another significant advantage of the invention is that the security adapter (33) is compatible with both current and future network types. On the other hand, the state of the art is applied only to one type of network, such as the CAN network. However, there are other networks such as ISO 9141-2 K-line, L-Line, J1850 Bus +, among others, which differ both in protocols as well as physically. This is because the state of the art analyzes only the network, and the invention allows protection of access to the diagnostic port (21). Thus, the invention is a more versatile and adaptable solution to the state of the art.

Particularly, the control unit (23) is configured to allow data transmission between the first connector (22) and the second connector (25) via at least one CAN type interface and / or at least one switching interface capable of switching network wires connected to said first connector (22) and the second connector (25). This switching and switching of wires are new features in this type of application, which contribute to greater security as it makes the solution more robust against potential software failures. In addition, because it is a simple solution, a low implementation and maintenance cost is required compared to solutions already known in the prior art.

[044] In addition, the control unit (23) is configured to hold data transmission between the first connector (22) and the second connector (25) for a predetermined period of time if said transmission has been released after password verification.

As can be seen from figures 3a and 3b, the safety adapter (33) of the invention further comprises a first protective receptacle (19a) which surrounds the first connector (22), the control unit (23) and the vehicle diagnostics port (21).

[046] The safety adapter (33) of the invention further comprises a second protective receptacle (19b) surrounding the second connector (25).

The safety adapter (33) of the invention also comprises a mechanical locking device (24) associated with the second protective receptacle (19b), as can be seen from figures 3a and 3b. The second protective receptacle (19b) is configured to allow physical access of the second connector (25) by the user when the mechanical locking device (24) is unlocked after entering a manual mode password. Such access is made, for example, by opening a hatch.

As can be seen from figures 3a and 3b, the safety adapter (33) also comprises protective shells (16) involving a vehicle network wiring (17) and the second set of conductors (31b).

[049] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the control unit (23) is also configured to periodically check whether any spurious devices have been connected at any point associated with the motor vehicle network.

[050] In addition, the control unit (23) is configured to periodically monitor electrical property values of the motor vehicle network. Such electrical properties are related to operating and operating parameters of motor vehicle parts from sensors operatively associated with said motor vehicle parts. In particular, the sensors are connected to other control units, which in turn are connected to the vehicle network.

As can be seen from figure 5, the safety adapter (33) of the invention comprises an audiovisual interface panel (32) connected to the control unit (23), the control unit (23) being configured to an audiovisual alert (14) via the audiovisual interface panel (32) when the connection of the spurious device connected at any point associated with the motor vehicle network is detected. [052] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit (23) is further configured to:

show values of electrical properties of the motor vehicle network in the audiovisual interface panel (32); and / or

comparing the values of electrical properties of the motor vehicle network with predetermined limit values of said properties; and / or

issuing an audiovisual alert to the user via the audiovisual interface panel (32) when said comparison detects that at least one value of a motor vehicle electrical property has exceeded a predetermined threshold value.

[053] Thus, the safety adapter (33) of the invention comprises a control unit (23), one or more CAN interfaces (CAN controller and Tranceiver CAN) and, in some constructions, a network switching interface between the two connections (male-female), such that it only allows access after authentication with a predefined password, said access being limited to a certain time interval, and no remote connection to the firmware, preventing clandestine updates of the product.

[054] In addition, the control unit (23) is calibrated with the help of sensors to measure variations in the electrical properties of the network such as resistance, voltage, capacitance, inductance and signal patterns that are in the vehicle network. In the event of a change in the electrical properties of the network, for example as a result of a new element being connected to the network, the safety adapter (33) of the invention alerts the driver through a light emitting panel and sound effects.

[055] Finally, there is the mechanical protection to access to vehicular network. All network wiring is covered with a sturdy mechanical shield including a receptacle for the connection interface between the original diagnostic port, the first connector and the control unit to prevent mechanical access. The female diagnostic connector, through which tests are carried out on the vehicle by connecting to external equipment is also located within a receptacle with authenticating user interface (34), which may be by password or key, among others.

[056] This provides a safety adapter (33) that can be fitted to vehicles in their factory condition, which does not involve significant changes in their components, does not allow remote access or remote firmware updates, does not interact with CAN messages from the vehicle network and that, in addition to physically and electronically preventing clandestine connections through the diagnostic port such as OBDII or equivalent, also monitors changes in vehicular network. The safety adapter (33) of the invention further alerts the occurrence of connection of clandestine elements or apparatus at any point associated with the vehicular network, including exposed places such as brakes, motors and sensors, among others.

[057] Referring again to Figures 3a and 3b, which show the mechanical and electrical protection of the network, the safety adapter (33) comprises a protective enclosure (barrier) (16) that involves the wiring (17) of the vehicle network. . Such a barrier can be a continuous blade (as in the case of a pipe) or a flexible or rigid blanket or mesh. It extends from the structural elements (18) to the protective receptacles (19a, 19b), and between the protective receptacles (if there is more than one receptacle), said mesh being fixed to said receptacles by known fasteners. (20). The first protective receptacle (19a) has all the electronics inside, namely the original female diagnostic port (21) of the vehicle connected to the first male diagnostic connector (22) as well as the control unit (23). . Depending on the vehicle model, there may be a second protective receptacle (19b) which contains the second female diagnostic connector (25) inside. Such second receptacle (19b) is provided with mechanical locking device (24) which allows access to said connector by means of a given code.

[058] In other vehicle models, a single receptacle may be used containing both the first connector (22) and the control unit (23) as the second connector (25) and the mechanical locking device (24). Thus, the entire structure of the vehicle network is wrapped with resistant material to mechanically protect access to it.

[059] Figure 5 shows, semi-schematically, the adapter assembly (33), wherein the first connector (22) is connected via the first conductor assembly (31a), the control unit (23) which, in turn, is connected to the second connector (25) by means of the second set of conductors (31b).

[060] As shown in Figure 3b, the first connector (22) is connected to the original vehicle diagnostics port (21), while the second connector (25) will be protected within a "box" or second receptacle (19b) provided with mechanical locking device (24) which allows access without breaking the mechanical protection. This connector is used for connections to external diagnostic equipment at authorized dealerships or workshops to enable vehicle diagnosis and maintenance.

[061] Additionally, there is the audiovisual interface panel (32), also connected to the control unit (23), to alert the occupants of the vehicle. [062] Figure 1 shows the safety adapter operation flowchart (33): in (1) authentication is validated by comparing a password sent through the second connector (25) and a password saved in the memory of the control unit. If matched, the control unit allows data to travel between said second connector (25) and port (21) by doing so by passing data between the input and output using its CAN interfaces or by switching one or more network wires using analog switches, relays, transistors or the like. Otherwise, the data passage is blocked. Once authentication (2) has been validated, the timer is activated (3) to start a countdown. Once the timer is activated, its validity is continuously checked (6). If the timer is valid (5), ie its value is non-zero, the control unit allows data transmission (6) via the diagnostics interface. If the timer is not valid, ie its value is zero, data transmission is prevented (7) and the authentication process is resumed.

[063] This impediment occurs because the control unit (23) does not pass data between the first and second connectors (22) and (25) of the safety adapter (33), either through the CAN interface (Controller and Tranceiver ), or by opening the contact between the connector terminals using analog switches, relays, transistor, optical coupler or the like.

[064] Figure 2 shows the monitoring operation flowchart allowed by the safety adapter (33) of the invention. Firstly, the safety adapter (33) is calibrated according to the network to be connected (10). The control unit (23) continuously receives signals of electrical property measurements over a period of time as the vehicle goes through its various operating states (10a), such as idling, accelerating, with the electronic systems on or off, between others. These measurement values are obtained through operational amplifiers, adc converters, among others and are saved in memory (10b) and then the lower and upper limit values are determined (10c) by taking the smallest and largest values of the measurements respectively and also saved in memory. In (11) there is a continuous monitoring of the vehicle network, where the control unit (23) continuously receives signals of measurements of the electrical properties (11a). In (12) we check for changes in the electrical properties, such as voltage, resistance, inductance and capacitance of the network. These properties vary as new nodes are connected to a network. In this step the control unit (23) compares the received values with the limit values (12a). If a significant change is detected (13), ie the received values are not within the acceptable range (13a), the control unit (23) sends signals to the interface panel (32), which issues an alert. (14) in this panel. If no significant change detected (15), ie the received values are within the acceptable range the network monitoring is continued (11).

[065] Figure 4 shows the safety adapter mechanical protection mounting flowchart (33). In (26) there is the covering of the wiring (17) of the vehicular net with the protective wrap (mesh) 16 throughout its extension from the rigid structural elements (18). Next, the housing (27) is secured to these elements (18) by known fastening means (20) such as glues, resins, screws, etc. Next, all components to be protected (28) are introduced into the protective receptacles (19a, 19b). Finally, the protective housing (16) is secured (29) to the protective receptacles to create mechanical protection around the entire network and its terminals (30) that prevents physical access to the network.

[066] A vehicle network protection system / adapter through the diagnostics port is not known to collectively collect all of the above described constructive and functional characteristics, and which, directly or indirectly, is or was as effective as the safety adapter (33) object of the present invention.

[067] The present invention also relates to a safety method for a motor vehicle network comprising the following steps:

- connect a safety adapter (33) to a diagnostic port (21) capable of allowing access to the motor vehicle network;

- enclosing the safety adapter (33), connecting wires / cables (31a, 31b) and terminals by means of protective receptacles (19a, 19b) and protective enclosures (16);

- release (8) or prevent (5) access to the diagnostic port (21) by verifying (2) a user-entered password on a connector (25) operatively associated with the diagnostic port (21) via the security adapter (33); and

- maintain (6) access to diagnostic port (21) released for a predetermined period of time if access to diagnostic port (21) has been released after password verification (2).

[068] In a particular embodiment, the method of the invention also comprises the following steps:

- periodically monitor (11) values of electrical properties of the motor vehicle network, said electrical properties being related to operating and operating parameters of parts of the motor vehicle from sensors operatively associated with said parts of the motor vehicle; - comparing (12a) the electrical property values of the motor vehicle network with predefined limit values (10c) of said properties; and

- issue an audiovisual alert (14) when the comparison (12a) of the previous step detects that at least one value of a motor vehicle electrical property has exceeded a pre-set threshold value (13a).

Also in a particular embodiment, the method of the invention also comprises the following steps:

- periodically check if any spurious device has been connected at any point associated with the motor vehicle network; and

[070] - issue an audiovisual alert (14) when the previous step check detects the connection of the spurious device connected at any point associated with the motor vehicle network.

Having described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that it may undergo modifications and variations in its embodiment, provided that such modifications and variations do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined in the table. claim.

Claims

1 SAFETY ADAPTER (33) FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE NETWORK, the motor vehicle having a diagnostic port (21) capable of allowing access to the motor vehicle network, the safety adapter (33) comprising: a first connector (22) connected to the diagnostic port (21) of the motor vehicle; a control unit (23) connected to the first connector (22) by means of a first set of conductors (31a); and

a second connector (25) connected to the control unit (23) via a second set of conductors (31b),

characterized by the fact that:

The control unit (23) is configured to release or prevent data transmission between the first connector (22) and the second connector (25) by verifying a user-entered password on the second connector (25).

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to maintain free data transmission between the first connector (22) and the second connector (25). ) for a predetermined period of time if said transmission has been released after password verification.

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to allow data transmission between the first connector (22) and the second connector ( 25) by means of at least one CAN type interface and / or at least one switching interface capable of switching network wires connected to said first connector (22) and second connector (25).

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a first protective receptacle (19a) surrounding the first connector (22), the control unit (23). and the vehicle diagnostics port (21).

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a second protective receptacle (19b) surrounding the second connector (25).

SECURITY ADAPTER (33) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical locking device (24) associated with the second protective receptacle (19b), with the second security receptacle Protection (19b) is configured to allow physical access of the second connector (25) by the user when the mechanical locking device (24) is unlocked.

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises protective shells (16) involving a vehicle network wiring (17) and the second set of conductors (3). 1b).

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the motor vehicle network complies with the OBD-II (On-board Diagnostic) standard, as follows:

the vehicle diagnostics port (21) is of the OBD-II compliant female type;

the first connector (22) is of the OBD-II compliant male type; and

The second connector (25) is of the OBD-II compliant female type.

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to periodically check whether any spurious device has been connected at any point associated with the vehicle network. self-propelled.

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to periodically monitor the electrical property values of the motor vehicle network, said electrical properties. being related to operating and operating parameters of parts of the motor vehicle coming from sensors operatively associated with said parts of the motor vehicle.

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises an audiovisual interface panel (32) connected to the control unit (23).

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to show electrical property values of the motor vehicle network on the audiovisual interface panel (32). .

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to:

comparing the values of electrical properties of the motor vehicle network with predetermined limit values of said properties; and

SAFETY ADAPTER (33) according to claims 9 and 11, characterized in that the control unit (23) is configured to emit an audiovisual alert (14) via the audiovisual interface panel (32) when connection of the spurious device connected at any point associated with the motor vehicle network is detected.

SAFETY METHOD FOR A NETWORK OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE, characterized by the fact that it comprises the following steps:

- enclosing the safety adapter (33), connecting wires / cables (31a, 31b) and terminals by means of protective receptacles (19a, 19b) and protective enclosures (16); and

- release (8) or prevent (5) access to the diagnostic port (21) by verifying (2) a user-entered password on a connector (25) operatively associated with the diagnostic port (21) via the security adapter (33).

Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a step of maintaining (6) access to the diagnostic port (21) released for a predetermined period of time if access to the diagnostic port ( 21) has been released after password verification (2).

Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it comprises a step of periodically monitoring (11) electrical property values of the motor vehicle network, said electrical properties being related to operating and operating parameters of a motor vehicle. parts of the motor vehicle from sensors operatively associated with said parts of the motor vehicle.

Method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

comparing (12a) the electrical property values of the motor vehicle network with predetermined limit values (10c) of said properties; and

issue an audiovisual alert (14) when comparison (12a) of the previous step detects that at least one value of a motor vehicle electrical property has exceeded a predetermined threshold value (13a).

Method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

periodically check if any spurious device has been connected at any point associated with the motor vehicle network; and give an audiovisual alert (14) when the verification of the previous step detects the connection of the spurious device connected at some point associated with the motor vehicle network.