Working Together to Secure the Automotive Industry

The importance of automotive cyber security legislation, guidance, standards and best practice

The automotive industry is at a tipping point. New connected technologies, increasing levels of automation, and shifting business trends are reshaping traditional value and supply chains and opening new avenues for innovation and investment. But with these changes come new dangers, working together is vital if we are to overcome these cyber security risks.

Cyber Security Vulnerabilities Emerge from the Evolving Industry

The automotive sector is fragmented over a complex structure of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier suppliers, each with their own proprietary product configurations and designs, as well as different production methodologies.

As the industry sets its sights on ubiquitous connectivity and begins integrating the new technologies that are being developed to support the growth of automated vehicles, it’s important that cyber security be placed at the center of the discussion.

OEMs and tier suppliers must consider a baked-in approach to design and development and review the ways they interact with each other. Finding common ground between manufacturers and suppliers is vital if we are to reduce the security gap and close the holes in current supply chain and production processes.

Legislation and Guidance Create Awareness

The hardest part of achieving effective, industry-wide cyber security, is developing awareness. It is vital that those in a position to initiate change see a real need to invest the necessary time and resources.

It is for this reason that legislation and guidance from governments bodies and agencies is so important. Not only do they safe guard the interests of the populaces they govern, but also drive industry to adopt secure business practices, creating safe and secure products.

Several governments are taking steps to outline legislation and guidance, and as those governments, which preside over more mature automotive markets, lead the way others will begin to follow suit.

As a result, it’s important that OEMs and suppliers start considering how they can best integrate this guidance and what level of interoperability will be required.

Standardization and Best Practice Lead to Cooperative Security Solutions

Interoperability is the focus of many organizations and alliances that have arisen in response to the surge of interest in automated and connected vehicles and intelligent transports systems. Their aim to drive adoption of common development and productions practices. As software becomes more prevalent within the vehicle, and manufacturers look to source the latest components for their vehicles, these organizations become increasingly important.

Best practice can help streamline development processes, limiting the chance of security vulnerabilities in products and the supply chain. Defined, layered architecture will enable OEMs and tier suppliers to combine solutions from a variety of sources. Most importantly, standardized software and components can be designed with security in mind and are easier to secure.

**SheeldS, previously known as Arilou