ISO SAE 21434:2021 Road Vehicles Cybersecurity Engineering

Introducing the ISO/SAE 21434

ISO/SAE 21434 is a comprehensive standard that covers all aspects of cybersecurity risk management in the automotive industry. The standard provides guidance on the development of a cybersecurity management system, which includes processes for risk assessment, risk treatment, and monitoring and review. The framework provided by ISO/SAE 21434 is applicable to all organizations involved in the development, production, and maintenance of automotive products and services, including vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers.

ISO/SAE 21434 is closely linked to UNECE Regulation No. 151, which is a set of regulatory requirements for cybersecurity and software updates in vehicles. The UNECE regulation was developed in response to the increasing threat of cyber-attacks on vehicles and their systems, and it aims to ensure that all new vehicles sold in participating countries meet minimum cybersecurity standards. UNECE Regulation No. 151 will become mandatory for new types of vehicles from July 2022, and it will require vehicle manufacturers to implement a cybersecurity management system that is consistent with the principles of ISO/SAE 21434.

By following the principles of ISO/SAE 21434, organizations in the automotive industry can ensure that their products and services are secure and trustworthy. The standard provides a structured approach to cybersecurity risk management, which can help organizations to identify and mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities. By implementing a cybersecurity management system that is consistent with the principles of ISO/SAE 21434, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and build consumer confidence in their products and services.

Compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 can also help organizations to comply with other relevant standards and regulations, such as ISO 26262 (functional safety for automotive systems) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Additionally, implementing a cybersecurity management system that is consistent with the principles of ISO/SAE 21434 can help organizations to improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance their reputation within the automotive industry.

Application of the ISO/SAE 21434

ISO/SAE 21434 is a comprehensive standard that provides guidance on cybersecurity risk management in the automotive industry. This standard is intended to cover all organizations involved in the development, production, and maintenance of automotive products and services, including vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and other organizations involved in the automotive industry supply chain.

Vehicle manufacturers are expected to take a lead role in implementing the principles of ISO/SAE 21434. They should develop a cybersecurity management system that covers all stages of the product life cycle, from concept to decommissioning. This management system should be designed to identify and assess cybersecurity risks, determine appropriate risk treatment strategies, and implement appropriate security controls to manage those risks. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers should establish processes for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of their cybersecurity management system and make any necessary improvements.

Suppliers and service providers in the automotive industry also have a critical role to play in implementing the principles of ISO/SAE 21434. They are expected to comply with the cybersecurity requirements of their customers, including vehicle manufacturers, and ensure that any products or services they provide are secure and trustworthy. Suppliers must also ensure that the cybersecurity features of their products are compatible with the overall cybersecurity management system of the vehicle manufacturer.

Service providers, such as repair shops and aftermarket equipment manufacturers, should also be aware of the cybersecurity risks associated with the products and services they provide and take appropriate measures to manage those risks. Service providers should also ensure that they use secure and trustworthy tools and equipment for servicing vehicles, and that they follow cybersecurity best practices when accessing vehicle systems and data.

Overall, ISO/SAE 21434 is a comprehensive standard that applies to all organizations involved in the automotive industry supply chain. By complying with the principles of the standard, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and ensure that their products and services are secure and trustworthy. Compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 can help to build consumer confidence, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the reputation of the automotive industry as a whole.

Certification for ISO/SAE 21434

It is important to note that currently there is no accredited certification by any accreditation body for ISO/SAE 21434. However, companies can still choose to obtain certification for this standard to demonstrate their compliance with its principles. Certification can be obtained for the company's cybersecurity management system (CSMS) or for their products, or both.

TUV USA provides a two-stage certification process for ISO/SAE 21434. In the first stage, it reviews the client's preparedness for the detailed audit in stage two. This review ensures that the client has a clear understanding of the standard's requirements and has made appropriate preparations for the detailed audit. In the second stage of the certification process, the detailed implementation of the client's cybersecurity management system is audited. This includes an assessment of the system's design and implementation, as well as the effectiveness of the security controls put in place to manage cybersecurity risks. The certification body evaluates the client's compliance with the principles of ISO/SAE 21434 and provides a certification report that outlines the findings of the audit.

Obtaining certification for ISO/SAE 21434 can bring numerous benefits to organizations. It can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity risk management and their dedication to producing secure and trustworthy products. Certification can also improve an organization's reputation and enhance their credibility with customers and stakeholders. It can provide a competitive advantage and help to build trust and confidence in the automotive industry as a whole.