Overview of Automotive Cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434:2021)

Automotive cybersecurity provides end-to-end security that is built around the paradigm of defense-in-depth, a core pillar of the cybersecurity concept. Every part of the system must be carefully inspected and verified for security threats. Cybersecurity has become an essential component for both the supply chain segment and OEMs.

Connected vehicles are on the rise and more connectivity poses a greater threat to security. Cybersecurity is a huge concern for automakers and OEMs are no longer relying on suppliers to resolve their security concerns, they are instead opting for other viable solutions. The automotive industry is facing huge cybersecurity challenges, especially as they move towards a more specific electrical and autonomous vehicle realms. Though the concept of artificial intelligence and machine learning are playing an important role in new product development, the cybersecurity concerns involving these technologies still looms at large.

Application of ISO 21434

The automotive world is currently undergoing fundamental changes emphasizing the development and deployment of electrical vehicles (EVs) and automated vehicles (AVs). The most fundamental design requirements for EVs and AVs include safety and cybersecurity. In order to mitigate security risks and provide better design, making use of cybersecurity concepts in the automotive industry is of paramount importance. SAE J3061 and ISO/SAE 21434:2021 define and guide how to keep Autonomous Cars and Electric Cars safe from potentially being hacked. The industry is making use of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework to proactively monitor the challenges of vehicle cybersecurity and prioritize ways to curb associated risks. The industry is also utilizing cybersecurity cybersecurity professionals and firms for balanced and robust security solutions.

Benefits of ISO/SAE 21434

The vulnerabilities, threats, and challenges that come along are to be critically identified for a cyber-safe automotive environment. Security by design and state-of-the-art security countermeasures are to be effectively implemented to overcome cyber vulnerabilities.

In today’s world, implementing an effective cybersecurity policy is a challenging scenario as we have numerous connected devices, and hackers are increasingly fraught with danger. It becomes highly imperative to protect your product and data from cyber-crime. By taking advantage of SAE J3061 and ISO/SAE 21434:2021 “Cybersecurity Engineering Defense & Protection Against Attacks”, your company will be able to defend and protect vehicular assets from cyber-attacks. This includes best practices, tools, attack monitoring, and incident response.

How to Implement ISO/SAE 21434

  • ISO 21434 provides a framework for establishing security safeguards across the whole supply chain. Implementing a good cybersecurity policy in today's environment is difficult since we have so many linked devices, and hackers are becoming more dangerous. Protecting your product and data from cyber-crime has become critical.
  • This standard can be used to implement a cybersecurity management system including cybersecurity risk management, in a structured and systematic approach. It provides compatibility to integrate with other related automotive standards such as ISO 26262, ISO/PAS 21448, and IATF 16949.
  • By utilizing SAE J3061 and ISO/SAE 21434:2021 any organization will be able to protect and defend vehicular assets from cyber-attacks. The list includes best practices, tools, attack monitoring, and incident response.

FAQ

ISO 21434 is an international standard that provides guidelines and requirements for managing cybersecurity in road vehicles. It covers various aspects of cybersecurity, from concept design, risk assessment, risk mitigation, to development processes.

Compliance with ISO 21434 may be required by regulatory bodies, automotive manufacturers, and customers to ensure that vehicles meet cybersecurity standards.

Benefits include improved cybersecurity, reduced vulnerability to cyber threats, enhanced customer trust, compliance with regulations, and a competitive edge in the market.

ISO 21434 provides guidelines and requirements for secure software development processes, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks associated with automotive software.

ISO/SAE 21434 enhances automotive cybersecurity engineering by providing a framework for managing cybersecurity risks throughout the vehicle's lifecycle, ensuring the safety and security of automotive systems.

Organizations can undergo cybersecurity assessments or audits conducted by qualified auditors and assessors to determine their compliance with ISO 21434 guidelines and requirements.As an intermediat step, organizations can perform a gap analysis.