BlackBerry’s Jarvis Pitched To Auto OEMs As Cybersecurity Savior

BlackBerry is looking to boost business through the release of new cybersecurity software specifically designed for self-driving cars.

According to Reuters, the Canadian company launched the product, dubbed Jarvis, on Monday. The software is designed to pinpoint vulnerabilities in programs used in self-driving cars.

Right now, Jarvis is being marketed to automakers on a pay-as-you-go basis, but could be offered to health care and industrial automation in the future. BlackBerry’s security software gained recognition after last year’s global ransomware attack, WannaCry, which affected 200,000 computers across 150 countries.

Automakers that initiate Jarvis will be able to scan files at every stage of software development. BlackBerry has already tested the product with Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover unit, which reported that Jarvis reduced the time needed to assess code from 30 days to seven minutes.

BlackBerry has been making strides in the self-driving market. In September, it announced a partnership with auto supplier Delphi Automotive (now renamed Aptiv) on a software operating system for self-driving cars. And earlier this month, the company made a deal with Chinese internet search firm Baidu to work together to create self-driving car technology. Through the partnership, BlackBerry’s QNX infotainment software will serve as the basis for Baidu’s Apollo self-driving platform.

BlackBerry also recently signed deals with chipmaker Qualcomm and auto supplier DENSO, as well as Ford. In that deal, BlackBerry will work to boost the automaker’s use of the former’s QNX operating system.