As the automotive industry advances towards greater connectivity and autonomy, ensuring robust cybersecurity throughout the supply chain has become a critical concern. The ISO/SAE 21434 standard plays a pivotal role in addressing these concerns, providing a comprehensive framework for managing cybersecurity risks in the automotive sector. One of the key aspects of this standard is supplier management, which ensures that every component and system, regardless of its origin, meets basic cybersecurity requirements.
Understanding ISO/SAE 21434
ISO/SAE 21434, titled “Road vehicles – Cybersecurity engineering,” is an international standard that defines requirements and processes for cybersecurity risk management throughout the lifecycle of road vehicles. It covers all stages starting from concept, development, production, operation, and maintenance, to decommissioning. A relatively small, but significant part of this standard is dedicated to managing cybersecurity across the entire supply chain as described in clause 7, recognizing that a vehicle’s security is only as strong as its weakest link.
Various companies such as Aptiv or Valeo are officially ISO/SAE 21434 certified. This certification highlights the company’s dedication to upholding global safety and security standards across the entire lifecycle of its products. By staying ahead of international standards, the company is able to create products that are not only innovative but, more importantly, safer and more secure.
The Importance of Supplier Management
In today’s automotive industry, vehicles are composed of a vast array of components sourced from numerous suppliers worldwide. Each of these components, whether hardware or software, can introduce potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Effective supplier management is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure that every part of the vehicle with cybersecurity properties adheres to the required cybersecurity standards. An automobile’s weakest link is likely not at the vehicle level, but rather somewhere in the supply chain. A recent and certainly infamous example of things going bad is the recent Crowdstrike incident. In 2024, a faulty Crowdstrike software update caused widespread disruptions for many Windows users who had Crowdstrike installed. The incident drew attention to the importance of thorough testing and quality assurance, but is yet another example of the importance to ensure a standard of quality throughout all pieces in the supply chain.
Key Requirements for Supplier Management under ISO/SAE 21434
Supplier Capability
This stage involves conducting thorough due diligence to ensure the supplier meets all necessary criteria and expectations. It is imperative for the customer to comprehensively evaluate the supplier’s capabilities and track record in cybersecurity. To make an informed decision, the customer should examine the supplier’s previous cybersecurity assessment reports, which provide insights into their past performance and adherence to industry standards. Additionally, reviewing the supplier’s adherence to established cybersecurity best practices is crucial. This includes verifying evidence of ongoing cybersecurity activities, such as regular updates and improvements to their security measures, as well as their protocols for incident response. By carefully scrutinizing these aspects, the customer can determine whether the supplier is capable of maintaining a robust and resilient cybersecurity posture.
Request for quotation
When a customer requests a quotation from a potential supplier, the request should include a formal requirement for the supplier to comply with the specified document. Additionally, it should outline the expectation that the supplier will assume cybersecurity responsibilities as described in section 7.4.3. The request must also detail the cybersecurity goals and specific requirements relevant to the item or component for which the supplier is providing the quotation.
Alignment of responsibilities
To ensure a comprehensive approach to distributed cybersecurity activities, a customer and supplier must establish a cybersecurity interface agreement. This agreement should include several critical elements. Firstly, it should designate specific points of contact for cybersecurity matters from both the customer and the supplier. Additionally, it must outline the specific cybersecurity activities to be performed by each party. For instance, the customer might be responsible for cybersecurity validation at the vehicle level, while post-development cybersecurity activities might be distributed between the parties. Furthermore, the cybersecurity assessment of components or work products developed by the supplier could be carried out by a third party, the customer, or the supplier.
The agreement should also cover joint tailoring of cybersecurity activities, if applicable, as per section 6.4.3. It needs to specify the information and work products to be shared between the customer and supplier. Shared information could include distribution, review processes, feedback mechanisms for cybersecurity issues, and procedures for exchanging information about vulnerabilities and other cybersecurity-related findings. Additionally, the agreement should detail interface-related processes, methods, and tools to ensure compatibility between the customer and supplier, such as proper data handling and securing communication networks used for data transfer. It should also define roles, methods for communicating and documenting changes in the item or component, including potential reiteration of the Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA), alignment on requirements management tools, and results of cybersecurity assessments.
Moreover, the agreement must outline milestones related to the distributed cybersecurity activities and define the end of cybersecurity support for the item or component. It is crucial that this cybersecurity interface agreement be mutually agreed upon by both the customer and supplier before the commencement of the distributed cybersecurity activities.
In cases where a vulnerability is identified, the customer and supplier must agree on the actions required to manage it, as well as who will be responsible for these actions, in accordance with [RQ-08-07]. If any requirements are unclear, infeasible, or conflict with other cybersecurity or disciplinary requirements, both the customer and supplier must inform each other to make appropriate decisions and take necessary actions. Responsibilities should be clearly defined and specified in a responsibility assignment matrix.
Best Practices for Effective Supplier Management
- Integrated Cybersecurity Approach: Adopt an integrated approach to cybersecurity that encompasses all stages of the vehicle lifecycle and all stakeholders in the supply chain.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Foster a culture of collaboration and partnership with suppliers, encouraging them to prioritize cybersecurity and share best practices.
- Technology and Tools: Utilize advanced technologies and tools for continuous monitoring, risk assessment, and threat detection across the supply chain.
- Transparency and Reporting: Encourage transparency and regular reporting from suppliers on their cybersecurity practices and any incidents they encounter.
- Risk-Based Approach: Implement a risk-based approach to supplier management, focusing on high-risk components and suppliers with a history of cybersecurity challenges.
Conclusion
Ensuring end-to-end automotive cybersecurity requires a concerted effort that extends beyond the boundaries of any single organization. Monitoring can be of great aid when it comes to keeping track and introducing updates. By aligning supplier management practices with the ISO/SAE 21434 standard, automotive manufacturers can significantly enhance the cybersecurity posture of their vehicles. This not only helps protect against potential cyber threats but also builds trust with consumers and stakeholders, reinforcing the safety and security of modern vehicles. As the industry continues to evolve, adhering to these standards will be crucial in maintaining a resilient and secure automotive ecosystem.
References:
- ISO/SAE 21434: 2021 – Road Vehicles – Cybersecurity Engineering