Researchers at MEPhI, one of Moscow’s largest tech universities, have developed and obtained a patent for a solution to protect car electronics against hackers. The developers are in talks with European auto makers over the use of the product in new cars, the MEPhI website announced, citing Dmitry Mikhailov, the director of the university’s Engineering Center.

The solution, which is called “Autovision,” is installed very much like a conventional alarm system. According to the developers, it is capable of scanning a whole array of electronic gadgets on board for viruses and unauthorized commands, and identifying any off-design equipment, including wiretapping contrivances, which could hamper driving or equipment control.

The system is said to be able to send data on whatever anomaly has been found to the user’s mobile device, while the anomaly is blocked automatically, the developers of the patented solution claim.

“We began the project about two years ago; now it’s ready… Contracts are being finalized with European partners; both the partners and us are constantly in and out of offices for travel and discussions… In Europe, these are not dealers or showroom owners; these are auto makers. They are considering either having the solution built-in in their new vehicles or offering it as an add-on to upgrade a standard option,” Mr. Mikhailov said.

The MEPhI team has not made a partnership with a Russian car manufacturer yet, he said; but he added that one of Central Russia’s most sizable dealers “is interested.”