Introduction

The automotive industry is undergoing a digital revolution, with vehicles becoming increasingly connected, semi-autonomous, autonomous, and software driven. While this transformation enhances convenience, efficiency, and safety, it also exposes the automotive ecosystem to unprecedented cybersecurity threats. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are now facing complex challenges in securing their products against cyberattacks, and the need for Automotive Threat Intelligence has never been more critical.

The Cybersecurity Challenges for OEMs and Tier 1 Suppliers

1. Increased Attack Surface

As modern vehicles integrate ECUs (Electronic Control Units), in-vehicle infotainment systems (IVI), V2X communication, and cloud services, the attack surface expands significantly. Cybercriminals can target multiple entry points, from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to over-the-air (OTA) update systems and third-party software components.

2. Real-World Cyber Incidents in the Automotive Industry

Several high-profile cyberattacks have demonstrated the vulnerabilities in connected vehicles and automotive supply chains:

Toyota Keyless Theft Exploit (2024): Toyota vehicles faced a keyless entry vulnerability, allowing thieves to bypass security systems and steal cars without the physical key. Exploiting weaknesses in CAN bus communication, attackers could trick the system into unlocking and starting the vehicle, highlighting the risks of unprotected in-vehicle networks.
Volkswagen Data Leak Exposing EV Locations (2024): A Volkswagen Group server misconfiguration led to a data leak exposing real-time locations of EVs, affecting brands like Audi and Porsche. The breach raised serious concerns about privacy risks in connected cars, emphasizing the need for stronger data protection and access controls.
Kia Web Vulnerability Enabling Remote Car Tracking (2024): A security flaw in Kia’s online services allowed unauthorized access to vehicle tracking, remote unlocking, and engine control features. The vulnerability stemmed from poor authentication mechanisms, demonstrating the dangers of weak API security in connected vehicle ecosystems.
Honda and Nissan API Vulnerabilities (2023): Exposed APIs in connected services allowed attackers to remotely control functions like unlocking doors and starting vehicles.

These examples highlight the urgency for proactive cybersecurity measures within the automotive industry.

3. Regulatory Compliance Pressure

With rising cyber risks, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced stringent cybersecurity regulations, including:

UNECE R155 & R156: Requires cybersecurity management systems (CSMS) and software update management systems (SUMS) for automotive manufacturers.
ISO/SAE 21434: Provides a framework for cybersecurity risk management across the automotive lifecycle.
GDPR & Data Privacy Laws: Affect vehicle data processing, requiring OEMs and suppliers to secure user data effectively.
CRA (Cyber Resilience Act): Requires connected vehicles and automotive software to meet strict cybersecurity requirements, ensuring secure-by-design development, continuous vulnerability management, and compliance with EU regulations to protect against cyber threats.

Non-compliance can result in severe fines, product bans, and reputational damage.

4. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The automotive industry heavily relies on third-party suppliers for software and hardware components. This dependence introduces risks such as compromised firmware, embedded malware, and supply chain attacks. Without continuous monitoring and intelligence, these vulnerabilities can remain undetected until exploited by adversaries.

5. The Challenge of Incident Detection and Response

Many automotive companies lack dedicated Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and Incident Response Teams (SIRTs) with expertise in embedded system threats. Traditional cybersecurity measures like firewalls and endpoint detection are insufficient against vehicle-specific attacks. This makes early threat detection and intelligence-driven defence strategies essential.

General vs. Product-Oriented Threat Intelligence

While general threat intelligence services provide broad insights into global cybersecurity threats, they often lack the depth needed for automotive-specific cybersecurity challenges. Product-oriented threat intelligence focuses on:

Identifying vulnerabilities specific to automotive components such as ECUs, IVI systems, and telematics units.
Tracking attack vectors that specifically target connected vehicles and automotive software.
Providing actionable intelligence tailored to the needs of Product SIRT teams, allowing them to prioritize security risks effectively.

Having a dedicated automotive threat intelligence provider like PCA Cyber Security (formerly known as PCAutomotive) offers significant advantages:

Deeper understanding of reports and vulnerabilities: Our experts help translate intelligence into actionable insights, ensuring that security teams focus on the most pressing threats.
Prioritization of incidents: Not every security alert requires immediate action. PCA Cyber Security helps identify which incidents warrant further investigation and which can be deprioritized.
Expert-led analysis: With an in-house Security Assessment Team, PCA Cyber Security brings hands-on experience in penetration testing and cyberattack simulations. This expertise allows us to recognize and assess the most critical vulnerabilities, helping OEMs and Tier 1s stay ahead of threats.

Why Automotive Threat Intelligence is Crucial

Automotive Threat Intelligence (TI) provides OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers with proactive, real-time insights into emerging cyber threats. A specialized intelligence service like PCA Cyber Security’s (formerly known as PCAutomotive) TICAP platform offers significant advantages:

1. Real-Time Threat Monitoring & Attack Detection

TICAP continuously collects and analyses intelligence on known and emerging threats targeting automotive systems. By tracking adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), organizations can anticipate and mitigate risks before attacks occur.

2. Proactive Risk Assessment for Supply Chains

TICAP helps monitor third-party suppliers and software components for security weaknesses, ensuring supply chain integrity. This prevents vulnerabilities from propagating through interconnected automotive systems.

3. Support for Product SIRT Teams

Automotive Product Security Incident Response Teams (Product SIRT) benefit from TICAP by:

Receiving tailored threat intelligence reports specific to their vehicle models and software components.
Prioritizing vulnerabilities based on real-world exploitability and potential impact.
Enhancing incident response capabilities with contextual intelligence on attacks affecting similar platforms.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation

By leveraging TICAP’s intelligence, OEMs can align with ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155, demonstrating proactive cybersecurity risk management during audits and regulatory assessments.

5. Cost Savings and Business Continuity

Cyberattacks on vehicles and infrastructure can result in product recalls, legal penalties, and reputational damage. Investing in automotive threat intelligence helps prevent costly incidents and ensures business continuity.

Why Choose PCA Cyber Security as Your Automotive Threat Intelligence Partner?

PCA Cyber Security provides industry-leading Automotive Threat Intelligence Services through its TICAP platform, offering:

Automotive-related, product-specific cyber threat intelligence tailored for OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and cybersecurity teams.
Continuous monitoring of vulnerabilities, exploits, and attack trends relevant to connected vehicles and embedded systems.
Expert support for Product SIRT teams to enhance incident detection, analysis, and response.
Custom intelligence feeds and reports for proactive security decision-making.

Conclusion

The automotive industry’s cybersecurity landscape is becoming more complex and high-risk, with attackers targeting vehicles, supply chains, and infrastructure. Proactive intelligence-driven security measures are no longer optional—they are essential. PCA Cyber Security’s TICAP platform empowers OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and Product SIRT teams with the intelligence needed to stay ahead of evolving threats, meet compliance requirements, and protect their customers.

Secure your vehicles, protect your brand, and drive cybersecurity forward with PCA Cyber Security’s Threat Intelligence Services.

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