Automotive Cybersecurity Level 1 according to ISO/SAE 21434
Learn the New Cybersecurity Requirements According to the ISO/SAE 21434 Security Standard
Foundation Training - developed with SAE International
The increasing connectivity and automation of vehicles make cybersecurity one of the core requirements for future vehicles and their components. Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are facing new requirements that address the cybersecurity of vehicle IT/OT. Gain an understanding of the current challenges in the automotive sector and the relevance and importance of cybersecurity as part of this training course. Special focus on the rules of UNECE WP.29 and ISO/SAE 21434.
Knowledge imparted:
- Foundational knowledge is imparted in order to get to know the new legal and regulatory obligations for automotive cybersecurity. This makes a significant contribution to the protection of vehicles and components and the successful homologation of production vehicles.
- Through this course, students gain holistic knowledge of the quality and risk management of vehicles. In addition, you will learn about the dangers and measures to protect vehicles against cyber threats.
- Over the entire life cycle of the product, the participants are presented with the connection between threat and risk analysis, security concept, security specification and verification and validation concept.
- Practical examples from our TÜV SÜD lecturers and exercises support the transfer of learning content into your working environment.
This training is designed for professionals working in automotive cybersecurity who need to stay up to date with the latest developments in ISO/SAE 21434 and its implementation across the industry. It is particularly relevant for:
- Cybersecurity specialists responsible for ensuring vehicles and components meet evolving security requirements.
- Management professionals, including executives and decision-makers, who need to understand automotive cybersecurity obligations and how they impact business strategy and compliance.
- Engineers and technical experts involved in vehicle development, system integration, and cybersecurity implementation.
- Auditors and compliance officers who assess cybersecurity measures and ensure adherence to industry standards.
Additionally, this course is beneficial for project managers, process managers, and sales professionals who need a foundational understanding of automotive cybersecurity regulations and risk management. It is also suitable for anyone with an interest in cybersecurity within the automotive sector, including professionals looking to expand their expertise in this growing field.
Day 1
- Challenges in the automotive industry
- Cybersecurity basics
- Cybersecurity in the automotive sector and current developments in legislation, regulation, and standardization
- The Standard ISO/SAE 21434 for Automotive Cybersecurity Engineering
- ISO/SAE 21434 – Understanding and language
- ISO/SAE 21434 – Methods with practical examples
- ISO/SAE 21434 – Cybersecurity Governance and Management
- ISO/SAE 21434 – Cybersecurity Engineering over the product life cycle
- ISO/SAE 21434 – Continuous and distributed activities with practical examples
- Summary and outlook
- Talk through sample exam and discussion, open questions
- Exam
Automotive Cybersecurity Level 1 – Foundation Training
The rapid digitalization, connectivity, and automation of vehicles are transforming the automotive industry—and introducing new cybersecurity and quality requirements across the entire vehicle lifecycle. To ensure compliance and protect against evolving threats, organizations must integrate cybersecurity into every stage of development.
This foundational training provides a practical introduction to the ISO/SAE 21434 standard, equipping professionals with the essential knowledge to address cybersecurity risks, meet regulatory requirements, and implement industry best practices.
What You’ll Learn
- Key cybersecurity requirements defined by ISO/SAE 21434
- Strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate automotive IT/OT risks
- An overview of global regulatory and legislative frameworks for vehicle and component approval
- Best practices for implementing cybersecurity processes across the vehicle lifecycle
Course Overview
The training begins with core cybersecurity principles and the challenges facing the automotive sector today. Participants will explore the structure, terminology, and methodologies of ISO/SAE 21434, along with the latest developments in legislation and standardization.
Through practical exercises—particularly in threat and risk analysis—you will build hands-on understanding of how to apply cybersecurity concepts in real-world scenarios.
The second part of the course focuses on governance and management, including how to embed cybersecurity engineering throughout the lifecycle and ensure continuous, distributed security activities within organizations.
The course concludes with a guided review and sample exam session to help reinforce key concepts and prepare for certification.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for professionals working in:
- Automotive cybersecurity and engineering
- Management, governance, and compliance
- Auditing and risk management
- Project, process, and sales management
It is also suitable for anyone seeking a structured introduction to automotive cybersecurity standards.
Certification & Value
Developed in collaboration with SAE International and leading industry experts, this training is part of a multi-level certification program with a strong focus on practical application.
Upon completion, participants receive a globally recognized certification, demonstrating their understanding of automotive cybersecurity and ISO/SAE 21434 compliance—an important step toward advancing in this critical field.
Learn from Industry Experts
With over 35 years of experience and a global network of more than 2,500 instructors, TÜV SÜD delivers training grounded in real-world expertise. Course content is continuously updated to reflect the latest regulatory and industry developments, ensuring immediate relevance and applicability.
Learn the new cybersecurity requirements according to the ISO/SAE 21434 security standard. Course participants are trained in preventive measures to defend against IT/OT risks and threats in the automotive environment.
Benefit from:
- Up-to-date information on ISO/SAE 21434 and standardisation development at first hand
- Consolidated know-how on the global regulatory/legislative situation for the approval of vehicle types and components
- Best practices for an efficient implementation of the legal requirements and regulations for cybersecurity by means of the internationally valid standard ISO/SAE 21434.
- First-class specialist lecturers from TÜV SÜD, who, in addition to didactic know-how, also contribute well-founded experience from practice and auditing.
Instructor-led training in a virtual classroom. This means the course is Live Online. Participants will learn through online teaching. Lectures, case studies, group exercises, discussions, problem solving, examples with explanation, assignments and/or quizzes happen in the virtual classroom training. Participants need to connect to the class from any internet accessible location. Each module is delivered live using webinar technology, creating a virtual classroom learning environment. Live sessions provide you with direct access to the trainer so you can ask questions, understand complex concepts and share ideas with peers. Webcam and microphone are REQUIRED to interact with the instructor and/or other participants.
The course content and structure are designed by the domain experts from TÜV SÜD.
With immense experience and knowledge in the relevant standards, our team of product specialists and technical experts at TÜV SÜD, developed the course content based on current business landscape and market requirements.
Participants who attend at least 90% of the total training duration will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Upon completion, participants who successfully pass the examination your globally recognised TÜV SÜD certificate on Automotive Cybersecurity Level 1 ISO/SAE 21434.
The program culminates with an online proctored examination:
- The duration of the final exam is 60 minutes.
- The test is a single-choice exam consisting of 40 questions.
- The exam is considered passed with 31 or more correct answers.
- The maximum possible score is 51 points.
While there are no strict prerequisites for Level 1 training, a basic understanding of automotive systems, cybersecurity concepts, or functional safety standards like ISO 26262 is beneficial.
What is the Automotive Cybersecurity Level 1 ISO/SAE 21434 Training Course?
The Automotive Cybersecurity Level 1 ISO/SAE 21434 training course is a 2-day beginner program designed to introduce participants to the cybersecurity requirements of the ISO/SAE 21434 standard. It covers regulatory obligations, threat and risk analysis, and governance principles, helping professionals understand and apply best practices for protecting vehicles and components against cyber threats.
What is ISO/SAE 21434, and why is it important?
ISO/SAE 21434 is an international standard that defines the framework for cybersecurity in automotive systems throughout their lifecycle. It is crucial because it ensures that vehicles are secure against cyber threats, from design to decommissioning.
Who should attend the Level 1 ISO/SAE 21434 training course?
This course is ideal for:
- Automotive engineers
- Cybersecurity professionals
- Compliance officers
- Software developers and systems architects working in the automotive industry
- Management personnel seeking a foundational understanding of automotive cybersecurity
What topics are covered in the training?
The course typically includes:
- Overview of ISO/SAE 21434 requirements and processes
- Cybersecurity principles in automotive engineering
- Threat analysis and risk assessment (TARA)
- Cybersecurity management and governance
- Secure design, development, and operations
Are there prerequisites for enrolling in the course?
While there are no strict prerequisites for Level 1 training, a basic understanding of automotive systems, cybersecurity concepts, or functional safety standards like ISO 26262 is beneficial.
Dr. Peter Wilks, Technical Trainer, Functional Safety TÜV SÜD
Peter has a degree in Electronic Engineering and a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering. He has worked for many years in the automotive sector on projects with a significant safety component. In recent years, projects have increasingly included cybersecurity and autonomous requirements. In addition, Peter has worked on safety-critical projects in the industrial and medical sectors. Due to this, he brings a broad experience to the training he delivers for the Academy.