The four automotive cybersecurity principles

Cybersecurity for today’s and tomorrow’s increasingly connected and software-defined vehicles must be broken into actionable processes guided by four principles: security by design, defense in depth, risk management, and monitoring. Applied at a high maturity level, these principles ensure end-to-end security across lifecycle, ecosystem, and supply chain, covering process, technology, information, and culture.

Security must be built in from the beginning of development to ensure compliance and a strong security architecture. Whether in DevSecOps or the V model, addressing security early prevents costly rework later. Software built with security by design remains robust and resilient throughout its lifecycle. Adapting this approach to evolving threats also minimizes the response time to remediate vulnerabilities, optimizing protection at every stage.

Defense in depth ensures that the failure of one security layer does not compromise overall protection. By implementing multiple defense mechanisms, there is no single point of failure for attackers to exploit. Traditional E/E architectures utilized a layered approach, from embedded components to the vehicle network, benefiting from strong hardware-based separation. However, with the rise of centralized vehicle architectures and cloud computing, this complexity requires additional virtual layers, paving the way for a zero-trust security approach.

As risks increase, targeted management is essential. For example, the ISO/SAE 21434 standard mandates Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA) to identify cybersecurity threats and develop countermeasures. Threat analysis identifies potential attacks, while risk assessment prioritizes them and evaluates their impact on development. The goal is to minimize threats through security by design and defense in depth, while adapting to an evolving threat landscape and addressing gaps in legacy systems.

Achieving cyber resilience requires a mindset shift across the organization. A dynamic threat landscape demands cooperation, flexibility, and cybersecurity awareness that goes beyond a “checklist mentality.” Regulations such as UNECE mandate a holistic cybersecurity management system (CSMS) that encompasses operations, risk management, and internal audits. Security must be integrated into all processes and throughout the product lifecycle, fully involving all stakeholders, including those in the software supply chain.

For more information on how to meet the challenges of vehicle security, visit our website and read our white paper, Automotive Cybersecurity Fully Revealed.