x18 Technology: The Deep-Tech R&D Mothership

x18 Technology Pte. Ltd. is a deep-tech R&D mothership focused on the fundamental technologies that modern connected vehicles rely on:

  • Edge hardware
  • Firmware
  • Cybersecurity models
  • Telematics data systems
  • Predictive analytics

We are based in Singapore and operate as the IP owner and technology originator behind an integrated ecosystem of automotive solutions including:

  • OBDx
  • ForeFix
  • x18 vSOC
  • VulnCar

Every product in this ecosystem starts from our internal research:

  • ECU-Level Analysis
  • Protocol Dissection
  • Firmware Inspection
  • Behavior Modeling
  • Data-Pipeline Engineering
  • Cybersecurity Threat Modeling Tailored Specifically For Vehicle Architectures

The founding team of x18 Technology consists of seasoned professionals with decades of experience in both the automotive and cybersecurity sectors. Their deep understanding of vehicle systems – from Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to telematics systems – combined with their expertise in defending against cyber threats, gives them a unique perspective on the challenges facing connected vehicles today.

  • Automotive Information Systems Expertise: Members of the founding team have spent years working closely with the automotive industry, gaining an intimate understanding of the internal workings of vehicle systems. This includes a deep knowledge of the numerous ECUs that control vital functions such as braking, steering, engine performance, and communication with external systems. They have also developed extensive experience with telematics, the digital systems that link vehicles to cloud-based services, providing data on vehicle performance, location, and maintenance needs.
  • Cybersecurity Expertise: On the cybersecurity side, the team is made up of white-hat hackers and professionals who have spent years identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in complex digital systems. Their work has spanned various sectors, giving them a thorough understanding of how to secure not only vehicle systems but also the networks and cloud infrastructure that support them. One of the founders, Duc, is a globally recognized name in the hacking community, known for his ability to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and develop effective countermeasures.

Together, the founding team has spent years reverse-engineering vehicle systems, understanding every unit in the car, and combining this knowledge with cutting-edge cybersecurity measures. This painstaking process has allowed x18 Technologies to create products that address the unique needs of the automotive industry—whether it’s securing connected cars, managing fleets, or ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent cybersecurity regulations.

The journey to founding x18 Technology was born out of the team’s years of experience working at the intersection of automotive systems and cybersecurity. They saw firsthand how quickly the automotive landscape was changing and how vulnerable vehicles were becoming as they became more connected to the internet, other vehicles, and external devices.

  • Understanding Vehicle Systems Inside and Out: The founding team recognized early on that securing connected vehicles would require a deep understanding of each component within the car. They spent years reverse-engineering vehicle systems, dissecting ECUs, telematics units, and other critical components to uncover potential weaknesses. This allowed them to see how seemingly benign features – like over-the-air software updates or mobile app connectivity – could be exploited by attackers if not properly secured.
  • The Cybersecurity Threat Landscape: At the same time, the team leveraged their deep expertise in cybersecurity to stay ahead of emerging threats. The founding members had previously worked in sectors like enterprise security and network defense, where they learned how sophisticated attackers could breach even the most secure systems. They saw how these tactics could be applied to connected vehicles and how the consequences of a successful attack – ranging from vehicle theft to loss of control – could be devastating.
  • Combining Automotive and Cybersecurity Expertise: Recognizing that the automotive industry needed a more robust cybersecurity solution, the team came together to form x18 Technologies. They were driven by the belief that protecting connected vehicles requires not just knowledge of cybersecurity but also a deep understanding of the automotive ecosystem. This is why x18’s solutions are not off-the-shelf products; they are meticulously designed to address the specific vulnerabilities that exist in modern vehicles.

The founding team’s diverse expertise has allowed x18 to develop a suite of products that are tailored to the needs of different stakeholders in the connected vehicle ecosystem. These products combine advanced telematics, cybersecurity technologies, and predictive analytics to provide comprehensive protection.

  • For Car Owners: x18 ensures that individual car owners have peace of mind, knowing that their vehicles are protected from a range of threats – from hackers attempting to take control of their car to breaches that expose personal data. The platform also provides predictive maintenance alerts, helping car owners avoid costly repairs by detecting potential issues before they become serious.
  • For Fleet Owners: x18’s solutions for fleet operators go beyond traditional telematics by incorporating real-time threat detection and cybersecurity incident response. Fleet managers can monitor the health and security of their entire fleet through a centralized dashboard, receiving alerts about potential threats or maintenance needs in real time. The system also helps detect and prevent insider threats, such as fuel theft or unauthorized access to vehicle data.
  • For Vehicle Manufacturers: x18’s platform assists manufacturers by ensuring that vehicles are cybersecure before they leave the production line. The platform integrates seamlessly with vehicle security operation centers (VSOCs) to monitor ECUs and telematics systems, identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance with global cybersecurity standards. This not only reduces the risk of cyberattacks but also helps manufacturers avoid costly recalls and regulatory penalties.

With their deep expertise in both automotive systems and cybersecurity, the founding team at x18 is committed to staying ahead of the rapidly changing threat landscape. As vehicles become more autonomous, connected, and integrated into smart infrastructure, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions will only continue to grow.

  • Research and Development: x18 continues to invest heavily in R&D, exploring new technologies such as machine learning, blockchain, and 5G to enhance vehicle security. The company’s vehicle threat research lab – led by some of the world’s top cybersecurity experts – focuses on identifying new vulnerabilities and developing innovative solutions to counteract them.
  • Expanding Global Reach: While x18 started with a focus on fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers, the company is rapidly expanding its reach to include global automakers, supply chains, and individual car owners. With cybersecurity regulations tightening worldwide, x18 is well-positioned to become a trusted partner for companies looking to secure their vehicles and comply with international standards.