Automotive Cyber Security Audits and Assessments

In today's dynamic automotive industry, as software-based functions & autonomous driving accelerate and connectivity becomes the norm, ensuring vehicle security has never been more critical. As vehicles become more sophisticated and interconnected, the need for robust measures to ensure the well-being of occupants and system design has increased.

What is ISO/SAE 21434?

ISO/SAE 21434 is the international standard dedicated to cybersecurity in the automotive industry. It provides a framework for managing cybersecurity risks throughout the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, from concept to decommissioning through

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  • Implementing a robust cybersecurity management system

  • Embedding cybersecurity throughout the entire automotive lifecycle

  • Proactively identifying and addressing cybersecurity threats

  • Demonstrating commitment to ensuring security

In addition, the UN Cybersecurity regulations R155 and R156 are effective & are compulsory for all new vehicles manufactured from July 2024. Omnex S3 helps manufacturers and suppliers to make their organization equipped for the new cybersecurity requirements.

Our team of experienced cybersecurity professionals has a deep understanding of ISO/SAE 21434 and the automotive industry and guides you through the audit, assessment, and certification process.

ISO/SAE 21434 Cybersecurity Certification Overview

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Automotive Cybersecurity
Management System Audits

An audit is an examination of processes at the organization in regard with the achievement of Cybersecurity. An organization developing Automotive E/E systems (OEMs, Tier-1, Tier-2, Semiconductor) can undergo audit and Certification by Omnex S3 for their Organization Cybersecurity Management System according to ISO/SAE 21434 Automotive Cybersecurity Engineering.

Product Cybersecurity Assessments 

Automotive Cybersecurity
Product Assessments

A product assessment checks the process implementation against the planned activities. It is an independent judgement that the objectives of the standard have been adequately achieved. An E/E System (item according to ISO/SAE 21434) can be assessed by Omnex S3 and assessment can be performed. The Item under assessment must be designed and tested following a cybersecurity engineering process according to ISO/SAE 21434 and the device must include a set of cybersecurity defense techniques. (Notably, as ISO/SAE 21434 lacks explicit details on security measures, alternative standards, including those in IEC 62443-4-2, may serve as a point of reference.)

Cybersecurity Personnel Certifications

Automotive Cybersecurity
Personnel Certifications

Individuals seeking certification programs in Automotive cybersecurity can pursue training and certification from Omnex after qualification. The certification program emphasizes a robust skill set, ensuring that certified personnel possess the necessary expertise in implementing ISO/SAE 21434 in their organization products and processes.

Benefits of Certification

Securing compliance for Cybersecurity is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a strategic investment with tangible benefits. By reducing risks associated with potential accidents or cyber threats, businesses not only protect their assets but also enhance their reputation.

The advantages also extend beyond compliance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that sets your business apart in a competitive automotive landscape.

Certification Process

We consider the international standard auditing guidelines such as the ISO/PAS 5112 Guidelines for auditing cybersecurity engineering and Omnex S3’s internal audit & assessment best practices for a comprehensive audit & assessment process. Below are the steps involved in achieving the Certification.

Expertise and Team 

Greg Gruska, Principal Consultant Omnex

Greg Gruska is the Omnex Champion for APQP, PPAP, FMEA, ISO 26262, Lean Six Sigma and a Fellow of the American Society for Quality (ASQ). His strength in ISO 26262 is a strong understanding and experience in systems engineering and reliability/safety analysis in both hardware and software development. Greg managed the Quality Engineering Activity at Chevrolet. This group provided benchmarking, quality engineering and statistical support to all divisional and corporate activities and their suppliers. Besides the application of statistics within the design, manufacturing, and support environments, this group was active in the development of new technologies and training in these areas. Greg additional served as a Divisional and Corporate consultant in Statistical Engineering and Management. He has traveled extensively in assisting engineering, financial, and support staffs and manufacturing plants in the investigation and solution of problems affecting quality, new product development, product failures and customer satisfaction.

Greg is also an active/writing member of the MSA, SPC, FMEA, and EFMEA Manual subcommittees of the American Automotive industry’s Supplier Quality Requirements Task Force which is part of the international task force governing TS-16949. Greg is an adjunct professor at Madonna University. He has advanced degrees in mathematics and engineering from the University of Detroit, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. He was the Deming Memorial Lecturer at the Sheffield Hallam University for the year 2000.

Greg is a charter member of the Greater Detroit Deming Study Group and the W. E. Deming Institute. He is an ASQ certified Quality Engineer, a licensed Professional Engineer (CA - Quality) and a member of the Board of Examiners of and Judge for the Michigan Quality Leadership Award (1994-2011). Greg is on the writing committee of AIAG on FMEA, a member of the SAE Functional Safety Committee (J2980) and is considered one of the foremost authorities on risk management in the world. He has considerable hardware and software experience in Automotive applications.

Juan

Juan Pimentel, Omnex principal Cyber Security consultant. He is a member of the US technical Advisory Group for ISO 21448 and writer of the standard. He has extensive Engineering, Safety and Cybersecurity experience. He is also the author of many papers on the safety and security of automotive systems ranging from drive-by-wire systems to ADAS to automated vehicles. He has developed and conducted professional training courses on safeguarding process control systems, safety instrumented systems (SIS), protecting industrial systems including relevant standards (IEC 61508, IEC 61511, and ISO 26262).

Nikhil

Nikhil Unnikrishnan is a Consultant with a broad range of experience, involved in the design & development of hardware, software and mechanical systems and components. He has worked with organizations to analyze process deficiencies and drive improvement by implementing best-in-class practices conforming to internationally recognized standards such as Automotive SPICE®, ISO 26262 Functional Safety, ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 Quality Management Systems. Nikhil has been involved with performing detailed documentation reviews, Automotive SPICE®, Functional Safety & QMS assessments, process documentation development and conducting roll-outs for numerous leading automotive organizations including multiple Software and Hardware systems. Mr. Unnikrishnan is a Certified Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma Methodologies (CLSSGB) and also Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA). He is an Exemplar Global certified Lead Auditor for IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015.

FAQs

Beyond regulatory compliance, businesses experience reduced risks, fortification against cyber threats, and an enhanced reputation. It's where trust from consumers and partners becomes the main attraction, opening doors to new opportunities in the competitive automotive landscape.

Currently, ISO/SAE 21434 is not a mandatory standard. However, as automotive cybersecurity becomes increasingly important, it is likely to be referenced more frequently in regulations and industry standards. Early adoption demonstrates your commitment to securing your connected vehicles and can provide a competitive advantage.

It depends on your specific needs and the functionalities of your automotive components or systems. ISO 26262 focuses on functional safety, ensuring systems operate as intended without causing harm. ISO/SAE 21434 addresses cybersecurity, protecting against unauthorized access and malicious attacks. If your system involves safety-critical functions and connectivity, achieving both certifications would be ideal.

The level of resources needed will also vary depending on your objective. However, you can expect to dedicate time from your management team, IT department, and engineering teams.

The timeline for achieving certification can vary depending on the size and complexity of your organization, as well as your current cybersecurity practices. The timeline varies anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. We can help you optimize your process for faster certification.

The cost varies depending on the size and complexity of your organization and the scope of the certification. We offer flexible services tailored to your specific needs. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Maintaining certification requires ongoing compliance efforts. We offer post-certification services such as Surveillance audits to help you stay compliant with evolving standards and regulations, providing periodic audits.

Yes, we provide comprehensive training programs for your engineering and development teams, ensuring they understand the requirements and best practices for building safe and secure automotive systems. Check out our training schedule

We possess extensive experience in automotive cybersecurity, a proven track record of successful certifications, and a deep understanding of the latest industry standards and regulations. Our team of experts possess deep industry knowledge in audits and assessments to a smoother audit experience, valuable recommendations, and ultimately, a more robust cybersecurity posture for your connected vehicles.