5 Quick Steps to Conducting Automotive Cybersecurity Training

Automotive cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as cars become increasingly connected. 

At ISMS Connect, we’ve seen the automotive data security landscape change in real-time—and we know how challenging it can be for lean SMBs to keep up. Automotive cybersecurity training is a great solution, but conducting this training brings challenges of its own.

To make life easier, we put together this short guide to automotive cybersecurity training to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate this changing landscape with confidence.

Ready to ensure your automotive organization is secure? Read on.

What Is Automotive Cybersecurity Training?

Automotive cybersecurity training programs equip professionals in the automotive industry with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address cybersecurity challenges in vehicles.

These programs can cover all kinds of topics, including:

• Cybersecurity fundamentals

• Automotive industry threats

• Secure software development practices

• Network security and communication protocols

• Risk assessment and management

• Compliance with standards and regulations (TISAX®, ISO® 27001, GDPR, etc.)

That last point is especially important.

At ISMS Connect, we simplify TISAX® and ISO® 27001 compliance for SMBs through informative guides, document templates, and on-demand expert support. Our active community of automotive industry professionals also provides valuable insight and advice on cybersecurity issues.

Why is Automotive Cybersecurity Training Important?

Stay Current with the Ever-Changing Threat Landscape

The evolving threat landscape within the automotive industry demands a vigilant and proactive approach to safeguarding vehicles and their occupants. 

As outlined in a McKinsey study, the industry is rapidly progressing towards greater connectivity, with the advent of connected cars and autonomous vehicles. However, this technological leap has attracted the attention of hackers who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in these advanced systems. 

These cyber-threats pose risks not only to the privacy and safety of vehicle occupants but also to the integrity of critical vehicle functions.

Gain Industry-Specific Knowledge

Automotive cybersecurity training offers industry-specific knowledge that is indispensable for effectively addressing these evolving threats. 

A study conducted by SpringerLink underscores the importance of conducting comprehensive risk assessments in the realm of automotive cybersecurity. Such assessments are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and devising effective security solutions tailored to the unique challenges posed by connected vehicles. 

This systematic approach ensures that cybersecurity measures are aligned with the ever-changing threat environment and vehicle lifecycle stages.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Compliance with regulatory requirements is a non-negotiable aspect of the automotive industry—especially concerning cybersecurity. 

Automotive cybersecurity training equips individuals and professionals with the knowledge and understanding of these regulations, enabling them to navigate the complex compliance landscape effectively. This knowledge ensures that automotive companies meet the necessary cybersecurity standards, fostering a safer and more secure driving environment for all.

How To Conduct Automotive Cybersecurity Training

Step 1: Define Training Objectives

Before starting any cybersecurity training, it's essential to clearly define your objectives. 

This involves understanding what you want to achieve with the training. Are you looking to enhance your employees' understanding of potential threats? Do you want them to be able to identify and respond to cybersecurity incidents?

Examples of training objectives include:

• Improving employee awareness of cybersecurity threats.

• Equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to incidents.

• Developing an understanding of industry best practices for managing automotive security risks.

For each objective you set, be sure to identify success metrics—for example, how many employees achieved a certain level of knowledge or the number of incidents prevented as a result of the training.

Step 2: Develop Training Content Around Objectives

Once you have your objectives in place, you can begin creating training content. Think about what knowledge or skill gaps need to be filled to reach each objective, and develop course content accordingly.

This might include:

• Cybersecurity Threat Landscape: Provide an overview of the current cybersecurity threats in the automotive industry. Discuss common attack vectors, such as remote hacking, software vulnerabilities, and social engineering.

• Best Practices: Teach employees the best practices for securing automotive systems. This can involve explaining the importance of software updates, strong password management, and physical security measures.

• Incident Response: Prepare your team for the possibility of a cybersecurity incident. Develop procedures for identifying, reporting, and mitigating security breaches.

• Regulations and Standards: Familiarize employees with relevant industry regulations and standards, such as TISAX®, ISO® 27001, ISO®/SAE® 21434, and GDPR.

To ensure the training is engaging and effective, consider using a mix of methods such as lectures, demonstrations, simulations, hands-on exercises, and user experiences.

Step 3: Schedule Simulated Phishing Attacks

One effective way to reinforce cybersecurity training is by conducting simulated phishing attacks. 

To run this drill, send emails to your employees posing as a legitimate entity, such as a coworker, customer, or vendor. Include links or attachments within these emails or ask your employees to divulge sensitive information.

Once the emails are sent, monitor how your employees respond and provide feedback on any potential vulnerabilities. Use this data to further refine your cyber security training program.

Step 4: Take Advantage of Online Resources

In-house training isn’t always enough for SMBs with limited resources. Supplementing with online training resources is a great way to cover all the bases.

There are tons of options out there, including:

• Online Communities: Online communities like ISMS Connect can be excellent training supplements. We offer step-by-step guides on key topics, and our team of experts is always on hand to answer any questions about establishing a training regimen.

• Courses: Providers like SAE International, TUV Sud, and CYRES Consulting offer in-person and online cybersecurity courses.

• Videos: YouTube videos can be a great way to get an overview of various cybersecurity topics, like password best practices and patch management.

Step 5: Make It an Ongoing, Team Effort

Cybersecurity is not a one-time event—it's an ongoing effort. 

Continuously update your training materials to reflect the evolving threat landscape. Encourage employees to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity developments and threats through newsletters, webinars, or industry conferences. Establish a culture of cybersecurity awareness within your organization, where everyone understands their role in protecting automotive systems and data.

The provided resources can be valuable for further learning and certification in automotive cybersecurity. Certification can demonstrate a commitment to cybersecurity excellence and assure stakeholders.

Conclusion

Effective automotive cybersecurity training is crucial in protecting modern vehicles from evolving cyber threats. By establishing clear training objectives, creating relevant content, conducting simulated phishing exercises, and utilizing online courses, organizations can equip their teams with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard automotive systems and data.

At ISMS Connect, we help you gain key automotive cybersecurity certifications like TISAX® and ISO® 27001 through how-to guides, document templates, and expert support.

Visit ISMS Connect to start your journey toward compliance.