5 Best Automotive Cybersecurity Courses Worth Investing In

Automotive cybersecurity is the practice of protecting vehicles from cyberattacks, like hacking, ransomware, or remote control. 

As more vehicles become connected and autonomous, the importance of the field only continues to increase. In fact, the global market for this field is expected to increase by almost 100% from 2020 to 2030 to about $9.7 billion.  

If you are interested in learning more about the field, automotive cybersecurity courses are a great way to start. In this ISMS Connect guide, we will explore some courses available on the market and help you decide whether they’re worth your investment.

Let’s get started.

What Are Automotive Cybersecurity Courses?

Automotive cybersecurity courses give you the chance to understand and explore the technical, engineering, and security challenges involved in protecting vehicles from cyberattacks.

These courses are usually aimed at automotive industry professionals who are trying to comply with the best practices and regulations found in automotive cybersecurity standards like:

• TISAX®

• SANS

• ISO®/SAE 21434

Some courses might cover a broad range of cybersecurity topics, while others may focus on specific aspects like secure coding or authentication protocols. They’re another tool in our arsenal when it comes to keeping vehicles safe from cyber threats.

Speaking of tools… at ISMS Connect, we arm SMBs with powerful compliance tools like prefilled document templates, accessible guides, and on-demand support from industry experts. Our goal is to give you all the information and guidance you need to establish a secure, compliant ISMS as quickly as possible.

Why Are Automotive Cybersecurity Courses Important?

Evolving Threat Landscape

The introduction of connected and autonomous vehicles is causing a major revolution in the automotive industry. This has opened up a new frontier for cyber threats.  

For example, the CrowdStrike Global Threat Report observed a nearly 3X increase in “cloud-conscious” threat actors. This highlights the importance of automotive cybersecurity courses to with up-to-date information of cloud data security best practices. 

By enrolling in automotive cybersecurity courses, individuals gain valuable insights into the current threat landscape, empowering them to proactively anticipate and effectively mitigate potential cyberattacks.

Industry-Specific Knowledge

Automotive systems are unique in their complexity and functionality. They involve a multitude of interconnected components, each with its security considerations. Automotive cybersecurity courses offer industry-specific knowledge, equipping professionals with the skills to understand and secure these complex systems. 

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, regulatory bodies worldwide have introduced stringent compliance requirements for automotive cybersecurity. For instance, regulations of UNECE WP.29 and ISO®/SAE DIS 21434 are now in place. 

Automotive cybersecurity courses not only provide an understanding of these regulatory requirements, but also equip professionals with the knowledge to ensure compliance. This is crucial in avoiding potential penalties and safeguarding the reputation of automotive companies.

6 Best Automotive Cybersecurity Courses

1. Cyres Consulting – Automotive Cybersecurity Training for Professionals

Cyres Consulting runs the Automotive Cybersecurity Training for Professionals (ACP) course for prospective automotive cybersecurity professionals. Source

 The course is based on the requirements of ISO®/SAE 21434, and the curriculum covers topics like threat modeling, secure communication protocols, security analysis for network architectures, and more.

The program consists of two levels:

• Foundation: This entry-level training provides a basis for cybersecurity in the automotive industry. It's designed for individuals with interfaces to cybersecurity activities. The training consists of two three-hour online sessions.

• Advanced Engineering: This advanced training is more in-depth and is suitable for employees directly involved in cybersecurity issues or those required to cooperate accordingly. It consists of six online sessions, each lasting three hours. 

Both levels cover various aspects of automotive cybersecurity, including regulations, standards, ecosystem, management, development, risk assessment, validation, and verification. Participants receive a personalized certificate of attendance upon completion of each level.

2. TÜV SÜD – ISO 21434: Automotive Cybersecurity Training And Certification

TÜV SÜD offers an ISO 21434 – Automotive Cybersecurity Training and Certification. Source 

This course provides in-depth knowledge of various requirements for the ISO® 21434 automotive cybersecurity standard. The training prepares professionals to independently handle ISO® 21434 engineering and management activities, recognize and identify cybersecurity aspects from the conceptual level to its implementation.

The course is a 3-day program followed by an examination on the 4th day. It follows a multi-stage qualification and practical approach, considering implementation aspects in the industry. By completing this training, participants will be well-prepared for ISO® 21434 certification and gain valuable insights into automotive cybersecurity.

After successfully completing the course, participants will be awarded the Certified Automotive Cybersecurity Practitioner (CACSP) certificate.

3. Udemy – Automotive Cyber Security

Udemy offers various courses on automotive cybersecurity. Source 

These courses cover a wide range of topics from the basic foundation of cybersecurity, including: 

• Encryption

• Digital signatures & certificate

• Hashing

• Authentication & access control

• Networking protocols

• Malware detection and prevention

• Network security monitoring

The courses are entirely on-demand, so you’re free to work through the videos at whatever speed works best for you. They also feature real-world examples and discussions of security protocols, giving you insight on how to apply the practice in a practical context.

4. Skill-Lync – Introduction to Automotive Cybersecurity and Vehicle Networks

Skill-Lync's Introduction to Automotive Cybersecurity and Vehicle Networks course aims to help you discover the latest cybersecurity practices and trends in the automotive industry, and their application in real-world scenarios. Source

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of automotive cybersecurity, delving into risk assessment, threat modeling, and vulnerability analysis. Explore secure communication protocols, intrusion detection systems, and secure software development to grasp the broader scope of automotive cybersecurity.

 This three-month online program stands out with its industry-focused curriculum developed in collaboration with leading automotive companies. Learn from faculty and industry experts who offer best-in-class content through informative videos and engaging projects. 

 Emphasizing practical learning, the course provides hands-on experience with projects like effectively logging CAN data, implementing binary search algorithms for specific signals, and programming an attack terminal.

5. FutureLearn – Automotive Cyber Security: An Introduction

FutureLearn offers the Automotive Cyber Security: An Introduction course, which provides an opportunity to develop awareness of the key theoretical concepts that underpin automotive cyber security. It explores how the levels of automation in vehicles have changed over time, making vehicles more vulnerable. Source

Over a duration of 2 weeks with a weekly study commitment of 3 hours, participants will have the opportunity to explore emerging trends and technologies in automotive cyber security. They will examine case studies and real-world examples to enhance their practical knowledge and understanding of how to apply cybersecurity principles in the automotive industry. 

With a focus on theoretical concepts and practical application, this course aims to develop learners' understanding of the need for automotive cyber security and equip them with the knowledge to explain current security flaws in vehicles using case studies. 

 By the end of the course, learners will be able to develop an attack surface based on the level of automation in vehicles, demonstrate practical attacks on vehicles, and assess security threats from both practical and theoretical perspectives. This course is suitable for anyone interested in cybersecurity within the automotive context.

6. SAE International – Automotive Cybersecurity Certification

SAE International offers the Automotive Cybersecurity Certification: Level One course in partnership with TÜV SÜD. This certification provides the necessary basic knowledge for people who work in the field of automotive cybersecurity, management, engineering, and auditing. Source

The course covers various key areas in automotive cybersecurity. Participants gain an in-depth understanding of concepts, requirements, and best practices for securing vehicles against cyber threats. They also learn about regulations and industry standards. The program focuses on practical knowledge and tools to identify vulnerabilities and develop countermeasures.  

Participants learn risk assessment methodologies and incident response strategies. Collaboration and communication between stakeholders are emphasized, along with the roles and responsibilities of different entities. Participants also learn how to establish effective cybersecurity governance frameworks and ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

Conclusion

The automotive industry is a leader in innovation, constantly pushing boundaries in technology and design. However, with this progress comes the challenge of addressing high cybersecurity risks in vehicles.

Automotive cybersecurity courses are available to help security and compliance professionals tackle these risks effectively. These courses provide knowledge and skills to protect vehicles and data, adhere to industry best practices, and meet regulatory requirements.

For SMBs looking for affordable information security management support, ISMS Connect is here to help. We help you achieve certification with templates, guides, and expert support, without high costs or consultants. ISMS Connect enables organizations to improve their cybersecurity and secure their digital future. 

Visit ISMS Connect to learn more.