ISO/SAE 21434

As autonomous and connected vehicle technologies develop, so do the risks of cybersecurity breaches and malicious cyberattacks. Wireless interfaces can allow hackers access to the electronic control systems of the vehicle itself, placing the safety of passengers and the general public seriously at risk. Plans for an external Wireless Vehicle Infrastructure are already in the pipeline and present further challenges to those who are responsible for road safety.

Against this backdrop, UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) has issued rules for vehicle manufacturers and their supply chains with the aim of improving cybersecurity within the sector. Cybersecurity for the automotive industry requires detailed consideration of all security aspects, in other words of products, processes and IT systems – and the whole warranted life of the vehicle has to be covered.

This has resulted in the issue of Standard ISO/SAE 21434 on "Road Vehicles – Cyber Security Engineering". The standard takes a process approach and its aim is to achieve security for all electrical and in particular electronic systems during the entire vehicle lifetime.

Cybersecurity in the vehicle sector and ISO/SAE 21434 are therefore relevant for all players in the automotive market, from development, manufacture and sale through to the final user.