ISO/SAE 21434 Road vehicles — Cybersecurity engineering is the standard that specifies the engineering requirements for cybersecurity risk management in road vehicles. It aims to reduce the risk of cyberattacks by embedding cybersecurity best practice in the automotive industry. It can be used to help develop a cybersecurity management system that includes processes for risk assessment, treatment, monitoring and review.
The shift toward vehicle connectivity and automated vehicles, coupled with increasing numbers of complex automotive components, has heightened the risk of cyberattacks.
ISO/SAE 21434 is the world’s first international standard for cybersecurity in the automotive industry. It aims to reduce the risk of cyberattacks by embedding cybersecurity into automotive products throughout their lifetime.
The standard specifies engineering requirements for cybersecurity risk management. These requirements cover the concept, product development, production, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of series production electrical and electronic (E/E) systems in road vehicles, whose development or modification began after the standard was published in 2021. This includes their components and interfaces.
ISO/SAE 21434 provides guidance on developing a cybersecurity management system that includes processes for risk assessment, treatment, monitoring and review. Its framework includes requirements for cybersecurity processes and a common language for communicating and managing cybersecurity risks.
The standard does not prescribe specific cybersecurity technology or solutions.
What are the benefits of ISO/SAE 21434 certification?
ISO/SAE 21434 certification follows successful completion of an audit and enables you to:
- Ensure that products and services are developed and maintained in a secure and trustworthy management process
- Better identify and mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities
- Indicate that you have conducted a security assessment with the greatest possible independence
- Demonstrate your level of embedded cybersecurity to customers
- Improve operational efficiency
- Reduce costs
Certification can also help you to comply with other relevant standards and regulations, such as UNECE Regulation No. 155 (cybersecurity and cybersecurity management system) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The shift toward vehicle connectivity and automated vehicles, coupled with increasing numbers of complex automotive components, has heightened the risk of cyberattacks.
The integration of electronic systems, connectivity and automation in modern vehicles increases the risk of unauthorized access, remote hacking, data privacy breaches, and malware or virus infection.
ISO/SAE 21434 covers series production electrical and electronic (E/E) systems, including their components and interfaces, at all stages of their life cycles. This includes concept, product development, production, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
ISO/SAE 21434 is for automotive organizations and professionals, including risk managers, looking to:
- Reduce the risk of automotive cyberattacks
- Embed cybersecurity elements into automotive products throughout their lifetimes
- Understand the engineering requirements for cybersecurity risk management for series production electrical and electronic (E/E) systems in road vehicles
Yes, the requirements of ISO/SAE 21434 cover the entire life cycles of electrical and electronic (E/E) systems in road vehicles. This includes components and interfaces provided by road vehicle suppliers.
Automotive manufacturers are expected to increasingly demand that their suppliers comply with relevant cybersecurity standards, such as ISO/SAE 21434. Having ISO/SAE 21434 certification gives you a competitive advantage over other suppliers and helps to ensure trust from your customers.
Regulatory requirements vary in different markets, but certification can help you comply with relevant standards and regulations, such as UNECE Regulation No. 155 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Our experts will be able to help you achieve ISO/SAE 21434 certification. The process is:
- Understand the standard – learn about the requirements
- Get in touch – tell us what standard you are aiming for, and we will provide a detailed proposal and quote
- Competence – we will identify any skill and competence gaps that your staff may have. We can provide training and workshops to support you
- Gap assessment – we will identify any weaknesses
- Stage 1 – confirmation that implementation of the standard is on track
- Stage 2 – confirmation that the standard is fully implemented
- Certification – we will issue your certificate, outlining the scope. Once you are certified, you can share your achievement with the world. Your stakeholders can check your certification via our Client Directory
- Ongoing improvement – regular surveillance visits to help you maintain and enhance your management system
Successful implementation of ISO/SAE 21434 is a complex and ongoing process. It is essential to fully understand the standard, gain commitment from top management and regularly conduct comprehensive risk assessments. You will also need to develop and document cybersecurity policies and procedures, so cross-functional teams can respond to incidents effectively and undertake continuous improvement.