Automotive Cybersecurity Services

Modern vehicles have evolved into highly connected, software‑driven systems. Equipped with dozens of ECUs, high‑speed networks, multiple wireless interfaces and continuous data exchange, today’s vehicles operate more like complex digital platforms than mechanical machines. As connectivity and automation increase, so does the attack surface, making automotive cybersecurity essential to safety, compliance and market access.

TÜV SÜD supports manufacturers, suppliers and mobility innovators throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. Our automotive cybersecurity services help you manage risk, strengthen product resilience and meet global regulations, including ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE R155/R156, ISO 24089, AIS 189 and AIS 190.

Why automotive cybersecurity matters

Connected and automated vehicles integrate a wide range of internal and external interfaces such as Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, cellular networks, V2X communications, cloud platforms, EV charging and third‑party hardware. This introduces new cybersecurity challenges:

Increased exposure to cyberattacks targeting safety‑critical functions
Greater dependency on secure software, firmware and OTA (over-the-air) updates
Higher risk across globalised and multi‑tier supply chains
Mandatory compliance with global cybersecurity and software‑update regulations
Need for continuous monitoring and post‑deployment risk management

As mobility becomes software‑defined, cybersecurity must be embedded at organisational, engineering and operational levels.

Who should consider ISO/SAE 21434 now

Our services support organisations across the mobility ecosystem, including:

Automotive OEMs
Tier-1, Tier-2 & Tier-3 suppliers
ECU, software, hardware, and system suppliers
Organisations supplying to global OEMs such as VW Group, Daimler, Renault-Nissan, Stellantis, and others
Companies already certified to IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001
Companies certified to IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001 seeking cybersecurity integration

Whether you are preparing for type approval or strengthening vehicle security architectures, compliance with ISO 21434 and UNECE R155/R156 is now essential for market access.

End-to-End automotive cybersecurity framework

We support the entire automotive value chain, from concept and design to validation, production, operation and decommissioning, helping you address complex cybersecurity threats with structured, standards‑aligned processes.

Assess	Design	Implement	Monitor	Train

Establish visibility, maturity & risk baselines	Build secure‑by‑design vehicle & component architectures	Validate controls, test resilience & assure compliance	Maintain cybersecurity throughout the vehicle lifecycle	Build competence across engineering & governance teams

Our end-to-end automotive cybersecurity lifecycle services

TÜV SÜD delivers a full spectrum of services aligned with international standards and emerging Indian regulations (AIS 189/190). Each offering addresses a specific stage of the vehicle and component lifecycle.

Auditing & system certification
Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) assessment

Based on UNECE R155 & ISO/SAE 21434, our CSMS assessment ensures your organisation:
- Implements cybersecurity governance across projects and functions
- Establishes secure development processes
- Maintains certification readiness for type approval
- Ensures compliance across the entire supply chain
- Technical security control verification
- Secure design review (architectural analysis)
Assessment outputs: Lifecycle weaknesses, critical risk elements, improvement recommendations.

Certification services

TÜV SÜD offers globally recognised certifications:
- ISO/SAE 21434 certification
- ISO 24089 certification
Conformity assessment services
- TISAX® assessment
- Combined cybersecurity & functional safety assessments (IEC 61508 / IEC 62443)
Cybersecurity services
Cybersecurity testing & validation services

Our advanced testing capabilities ensure robust protection of automotive systems.
- Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT)
- In‑vehicle systems VAPT
- ECU, gateway, telematics testing
- EV charger and charging infrastructure cybersecurity testing
- Compromise impact analysis
Fuzz testing & load testing

Stress and resilience testing for critical interfaces and communication channels.

Secure code review (SAST/DAST)

Evaluation of embedded software, firmware, interfaces, and middleware.

TARA development, review & validation

Structured Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment aligned with ISO/SAE 21434

Regulatory readiness for AIS 189 & AIS 190

India’s upcoming automotive cybersecurity and software update regulations require strong CSMS and SUMS capabilities.

AIS 189 (Cybersecurity)

We support:
- Organisational & technical cybersecurity readiness
- Risk assessments aligned with AIS 189
- Compliance documentation preparation
AIS 190 (Software Update Management System)
- Aligned with UNECE R156 & ISO 24089, covering:
- Secure OTA update validation
- Software integrity verification
- Version traceability and lifecycle monitoring
Software update engineering (ISO 24089)

Ensuring secure software update architecture and execution.
- Update campaign planning
- Integrity checks & rollback strategies
- Secure update infrastructure assessments
- Compliance with SUMS requirements
Training
Enabling organisations to develop internal expertise.

Why choose TÜV SÜD?

Global expertise, local capability

Over a century of automotive safety and technical expertise
Proven track record in cybersecurity assessments for autonomous & connected vehicles
Independent third‑party credibility for global market access
Integrated approach combining safety, security, and compliance
Trusted partner to OEMs and suppliers worldwide

Strengthen your automotive cybersecurity posture, achieve compliance and build safer, trusted mobility.

Connected cars, connected threats. Secure your ride for the digital age. Don't get hacked on the road. Secure your connected car with cutting-edge cyber defence training.

Vaibhav Sharma

AVP – Industrial & OT Cybersecurity Services, TÜV SÜD

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is automotive cybersecurity?

Automotive cybersecurity protects vehicles from digital attacks that target electronic control units (ECUs), in-vehicle networks, wireless interfaces, and software systems. It secures connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles by managing risks across design, development, production, and over-the-air updates under standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155.
What is automotive cybersecurity certification?

Automotive cybersecurity certification confirms compliance with ISO/SAE 21434, ISO 24089, TISAX®, and regulatory frameworks such as UNECE R155/R156 and AIS 189/190.
What is TARA in automotive cybersecurity?

TARA (Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment) identifies threats, assesses attack paths, and defines security controls to reduce vehicle cybersecurity risk under ISO/SAE 21434.
What is AIS 189 and how does it impact automotive manufacturers in India?

AIS 189 mandates cybersecurity risk management, secure development, documented compliance, and audit readiness for vehicle approval in India.
What is required for compliance with AIS 190 Software Update Management System regulations?

AIS 190 compliance requires a UNECE R156-aligned SUMS that secures OTA updates, verifies software integrity, maintains traceability, controls infrastructure, and documents processes for audit and approval.