Today’s vehicles rely on all sorts of complex systems, from advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to fully autonomous cars that communicate with one another and the outside world. As always, increased connectivity comes with a pretty big challenge: the rise in cybersecurity risks.
That’s why SecureFlag has created an automotive-focused risk template for ThreatCanvas, our automated threat modeling tool. It’s designed to help organizations meet the requirements of ISO/SAE 21434—a framework that makes sure cybersecurity risks are managed at every stage of a vehicle’s lifecycle.
Why Securing Automotive Systems is Crucial
Automotive systems are basically mobile networks on wheels, complete with sensors, control units, and communication protocols like vehicle-to-everything (V2X). These technologies power features like real-time traffic updates, autonomous driving, and remote diagnostics. They make driving more convenient and safer, but they can also be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Examples include hackers that exploit vulnerabilities in a car’s control systems to take over its functions, disrupt vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, or tamper with over-the-air (OTA) software updates. We’re not just talking about costly damages; they could actually put lives at risk. That’s exactly why cybersecurity shouldn’t be an afterthought for the automotive industry. It’s essential for manufacturers, service providers, and all other parties to be involved.
Understanding ISO/SAE 21434
ISO/SAE 21434 is an international standard created to help automakers and their suppliers address the challenges of connected and autonomous vehicles. It makes sure security is built into every stage of a vehicle’s lifecycle—from design and production to maintenance and eventual retirement.
At its core, ISO/SAE 21434 is all about managing risks. It guides organizations on how to identify potential threats, work out how serious they are, and take steps to keep them under control.
Why an Automotive Framework Matters
With vehicles getting smarter and more connected, the challenges in automotive cybersecurity have never been higher. ISO/SAE 21434 gives the industry a clear framework to follow, making it easier to build cars that are safe from cyberattacks. It’s not just about meeting regulations; it’s also about building trust with drivers who need to know their vehicles won’t be hacked while they’re on the road.
By following ISO/SAE 21434, organizations show they’re serious about cybersecurity—whether that’s protecting sensitive data, meeting industry standards, or ensuring vehicles are safe and reliable.
How ThreatCanvas’ Automotive Risk Template Helps
ThreatCanvas’ Automotive Risk Template is designed with the challenges of this industry in mind. Here’s how it can help your teams address security issues:
Identifying Critical Risks
The template sets out a clear framework to uncover threats across a vehicle’s lifecycle, from design and production to post-deployment. It brings attention to vulnerabilities in areas like telematics, V2X communication, and in-car infotainment systems. Catching risks early on means organizations can handle them before they turn into costly breaches or system failures.
Actionable Fixes
What’s really useful is that ThreatCanvas doesn’t just point out problems but provides practical ways to fix them. It gives guidelines to keep your critical systems safe and running smoothly. It’s always best to be proactive—organizations can stay ahead of cyberattacks by securing communication protocols like MQTT and controller area networks (CAN). It’s also a good idea to encrypt OTA updates and authenticate vehicle-to-cloud connections.
Real-World Scenarios
ThreatCanvas doesn’t just provide theoretical knowledge but gives teams real-world examples to help prepare for actual threats. Organizations can respond effectively, whether it’s a ransomware attack on a fleet of connected cars or flaws in an autonomous navigation system. For instance, the template includes scenarios that help teams understand potential impacts and provide guidance on how to respond effectively.
Encouraging Teamwork
One of the best things about ThreatCanvas is that it improves collaboration. ThreatCanvas encourages different teams, such as development, security professionals, and operations staff, to work together. Everyone is included in helping to identify and mitigate risks, which makes addressing security challenges much easier.
Proactive About Risks
Proactive risk management isn’t just an option for organizations anymore; it’s turned into a vital necessity. With connected and autonomous vehicles, it’s important to identify risks from the start. Cybersecurity breaches can cost money, break trust, damage reputations, and cause safety issues. ThreatCanvas helps organizations move from reacting to problems to preventing them.
Secure Automotive Environments With ThreatCanvas
Securing connected and autonomous vehicles isn’t easy, but it’s crucial to implement. ThreatCanvas’ Automotive Risk Template helps organizations protect vehicles with threat modeling, providing guidelines and actionable insights that make it much simpler to put into practice.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today for a free demo!
