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ISO/SAE 21434 standard: Security in motor vehicle industry

Written by Dirk Leopold | May 16, 2023

The automotive industry is changing rapidly. Increasing digitalization and connectivity are revolutionizing the way we use our vehicles. But with new opportunities come new challenges, particularly in the area of cybersecurity. In this context, the ISO/SAE 21434 standard plays a critical role.

ISO/SAE 21434, also known as Road vehicles - Cybersecurity engineering, is a fundamental framework for ensuring the cybersecurity of connected vehicles. It provides a consistent approach and defines common standards for identifying risks, assessing threats, and implementing mitigation measures. By establishing a structured methodology for addressing cybersecurity risks, it enables effective collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, and other automotive industry partners.

Compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 is mandatory for automotive manufacturers. Since its publication in August 2021, manufacturers have been required to consider the standard in the design and production of their vehicles to meet stringent cybersecurity requirements. The standard is not only an important step in improving vehicle security, but also a prerequisite for certification under UNECE Regulation R 155 "Cyber Security and Cyber Security Management System". It lays the foundation for a robust cyber security culture in the automotive industry.

The importance of ISO/SAE 21434 goes beyond ensuring vehicle safety. It also plays a critical role in the approval of vehicles in European and international markets. The standard ensures that connected vehicles meet stringent cybersecurity requirements and do not pose unnecessary risks to consumers. As a result, it builds consumer confidence in the safety of connected vehicles and provides a solid foundation for their market success.

Another benefit of ISO/SAE 21434 is its competitive aspect. Automakers that can fully implement the standard and position their vehicles as safe and secure will have a clear competitive advantage over competitors that do not. By positioning themselves as cybersecurity leaders, they can gain consumer confidence and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.

In addition to its importance to the automotive industry, ISO/SAE 21434 also plays an important role in the international harmonization of cybersecurity standards. The collaboration between the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) creates uniform guidelines and standards that apply across national boundaries. This promotes the global sharing of best practices and facilitates collaboration between automakers and other industry stakeholders. International harmonization helps ensure that companies around the world are setting the same standards and can work together on the safety of connected vehicles.

In summary, ISO/SAE 21434 provides a basic framework for ensuring the cybersecurity of connected vehicles and is of great importance to the automotive industry. It promotes a unified approach, creates common standards, and builds consumer confidence. By complying with the standard, automakers can position their vehicles as safe and secure, giving them a clear competitive advantage. In addition, international harmonization of cybersecurity standards helps ensure consistent standards worldwide and facilitates industry collaboration.

In an increasingly connected world, ensuring cybersecurity is a key aspect of ensuring the future viability of the automotive industry. The ISO/SAE 21434 standard ensures that connected vehicles meet the highest security standards and gain consumer confidence. By fully implementing the standard, we can create a safe and trusted future for tomorrow's mobility.

If you would like to learn more about ISO/SAE 21434 and its impact on the automotive industry, we can help. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

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