Top Challenges Faced by CISOs in Securing Automotive Products in 2025

The modern car offers unmatched convenience, but with great tech comes great responsibility. Trends like software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving, and OTA software updates are redefining what’s possible for OEMs and users alike. However, for CISOs, this exciting progress brings a host of new challenges. Protecting passenger safety, navigating evolving regulations, and defending brand trust have become as critical as securing corporate networks. The stakes are higher than ever, making cybersecurity a pivotal part of the journey into the future of mobility.

This blog delves into the challenges facing CISOs in the automotive industry and provides insights into strategies to secure connected and autonomous vehicles effectively.

In this blog, you’ll discover:

• The evolving cyber threat landscape in the automotive industry and why it demands proactive measures.
• How CISOs balance innovation in connected and autonomous vehicles with robust security requirements.
• The impact of global regulations like UNECE WP.29 and ISO/SAE 21434 on automotive cybersecurity strategies.
• The complexities of securing supply chains and mitigating risks from third-party vendors.
• The importance of real-time threat detection and tailored solutions for addressing automotive-specific vulnerabilities.
• Strategies to protect in-vehicle networks, IoT devices, and data integrity in connected fleets.
• How advanced cybersecurity tools like Cybellum’s solutions support compliance and lifecycle security.
• The long-term benefits of a holistic cybersecurity strategy in preserving safety, reputation, and compliance.

The automotive sector faces an unprecedented rise in cyber threats, exacerbated by its increasing reliance on connectivity and smart technologies. Cybercriminals target vulnerabilities in connected vehicles, supply chains, and even manufacturing processes, creating a dynamic and constantly evolving risk environment.

Key statistics highlight the severity of the threat:

• Soaring attack costs: In the first half of 2023 alone, cyberattacks inflicted approximately $11.8 billion in damages on the automotive sector, according to Statista.
• Expanding attack surfaces: Every connected component—whether a sensor, ECU, or infotainment system—introduces potential entry points for hackers.
• Supply chain complexities: Vulnerabilities introduced through third-party components can impact entire fleets.

These realities underscore the need for automotive CISOs to adopt a proactive, multilayered approach to cybersecurity that addresses risks throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Automotive innovation is advancing at a rapid pace, with features like autonomous driving, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and software-defined vehicles becoming standard. While these technologies drive the industry’s growth, they also heighten its exposure to cybersecurity risks.

CISOs face the unique challenge of balancing the demands of innovation with the need for robust security measures. For example:

• Software complexity: Modern vehicles run over 100 million lines of code, making them highly susceptible to bugs and vulnerabilities.
• Lifespan considerations: Unlike IT systems with a lifecycle of 3-6 years, vehicles are designed to last 15 years or more. This longevity necessitates enduring cybersecurity strategies that adapt to evolving threats over time.

CISOs must work closely with engineering teams to integrate security into the design phase and ensure that updates, whether OTA or manual, remain secure and effective.

The automotive industry is subject to a growing number of cybersecurity regulations. Standards like UNECE WP.29 and ISO/SAE 21434 establish frameworks for vehicle cybersecurity, emphasizing areas like risk assessment, incident response, and secure software updates.

Key compliance challenges for CISOs include:

• Global compliance: Navigating different regulatory requirements across markets.
• Audit readiness: Ensuring accurate documentation and reporting for regulators.
• Proactive updates: Staying ahead of regulatory changes to maintain compliance.

By leveraging tools that align with these regulations, such as Cybellum’s cybersecurity management solutions, CISOs can streamline compliance efforts and focus on mitigating risks.

Addressing the Complexity of Supply Chain Security

The automotive supply chain is one of the most complex and interconnected in the world, involving thousands of vendors, each contributing software and hardware components. This complexity amplifies cybersecurity risks, as vulnerabilities in a single supplier’s component can compromise an entire fleet.

Key strategies for mitigating supply chain risks include:

• SBOMs: Maintaining comprehensive software bills of materials (SBOMs) to track components and identify vulnerabilities quickly.
• Zero-trust frameworks: Implementing access controls and authentication measures to limit the exposure of critical systems.
• Vendor collaboration: Working closely with suppliers to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities and ensure alignment with industry standards.

As vehicles become more connected, the volume of data generated by sensors, ECUs, and communication networks has skyrocketed. While this data provides valuable insights, it also creates challenges for detecting and responding to threats in real time.

CISOs must address several key issues:

• Data overload: Traditional security operation centers (SOCs) struggle to process the sheer volume of alerts generated by connected fleets.
• False positives: Generic machine-learning algorithms often produce irrelevant alerts, delaying response times.
• Specialized expertise: Many SOCs lack the domain-specific knowledge required to analyze and address automotive-specific threats​.

Investing in tailored threat detection solutions designed for the automotive industry can significantly enhance response times and reduce risk.

In-vehicle networks and IoT devices are integral to the functionality of modern vehicles. However, their connectivity also makes them vulnerable to exploitation. Attackers can target systems like CAN and Ethernet buses, exploiting vulnerabilities to disrupt communication between critical vehicle components.

Effective strategies include:

• Advanced encryption: Securing communication channels to prevent interception and tampering.
• Robust authentication: Ensuring only authorized devices can access the network.
• Continuous monitoring: Detecting anomalies in real-time to prevent attacks before they escalate.

These measures are particularly critical as vehicles increasingly rely on OTA updates, which, if compromised, could have widespread implications.

CISOs need solutions that address the unique challenges of the automotive industry. Cybellum’s cybersecurity platform provides:

• Lifecycle management: Identifying vulnerabilities from development to decommissioning.
• Regulatory alignment: Streamlining compliance with UNECE WP.29, ISO/SAE 21434, and other standards.
• Supply chain visibility: Enhancing transparency to mitigate risks associated with third-party components.

These tools empower CISOs to stay ahead of emerging threats while maintaining operational efficiency.

The consequences of a cybersecurity breach extend far beyond immediate financial losses. For automotive companies, such incidents can damage brand reputation, erode customer trust, and lead to costly litigation.

To mitigate these risks, CISOs should:

• Develop incident response plans: Establish clear protocols for managing breaches and communicating with stakeholders.
• Prioritize transparency: Build trust by openly addressing vulnerabilities and taking corrective actions.
• Invest in preventive measures: Proactively identify and address risks to avoid high-profile breaches.

Emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and AI-driven attacks, pose new challenges for automotive cybersecurity. CISOs must remain vigilant and proactive to prepare for these evolving threats.

Recommended actions include:

• Risk assessments: Regularly evaluating vulnerabilities to anticipate potential attack vectors.
• Collaboration: Partnering with industry groups to share insights and best practices.
• Continuous learning: Staying informed about advancements in cybersecurity and their implications for the automotive sector.

A comprehensive approach to cybersecurity is essential for addressing the diverse challenges of the automotive industry. This includes:

• Integration: Embedding security measures into every stage of the vehicle lifecycle.
• Collaboration: Fostering partnerships across engineering, IT, and compliance teams.
• Adaptation: Continuously updating strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats and regulatory changes.

A few notes to summarize:

• The automotive sector faces unique cybersecurity challenges, from complex supply chains to long product lifecycles.
• Real-time threat detection, tailored solutions, and compliance frameworks are critical for mitigating risks.
• Proactive strategies help CISOs safeguard data, passenger safety, and brand reputation

The automotive industry faces complex cybersecurity challenges, from securing supply chains to complying with evolving regulations. Cybellum’s tailored solutions empower CISOs to address these issues effectively, providing tools for lifecycle vulnerability management, regulatory compliance, and real-time threat detection. With Cybellum, automotive companies can safeguard their products, protect customer trust, and stay ahead of emerging threats.

What are the key challenges CISOs face when securing third-party vendors in the automotive supply chain?

CISOs must navigate the complexities of a vast supply chain involving thousands of vendors. Each vendor introduces potential vulnerabilities, whether through outdated software, inadequate coding practices, or insufficient security measures. Key strategies include conducting regular audits, maintaining comprehensive software bills of materials (SBOMs), and enforcing strict zero-trust policies to mitigate risks.

How can CISOs ensure compliance with evolving automotive cybersecurity regulations?

Compliance with regulations like UNECE WP.29 and ISO/SAE 21434 requires proactive planning. CISOs should establish frameworks to monitor regulatory updates, conduct periodic risk assessments, and maintain detailed documentation for audits. Leveraging tools like Cybellum’s compliance solutions simplifies the process by aligning cybersecurity practices with regulatory requirements across global markets.

What are the best practices for implementing a real-time threat detection system in automotive networks?

Effective real-time threat detection involves deploying specialized monitoring tools designed for automotive environments. Best practices include:

• Using tailored machine-learning algorithms to reduce false positives.
• Continuously monitoring in-vehicle networks and external communication channels.
• Investing in SOCs with domain-specific expertise to analyze and respond to threats efficiently.

How can automotive companies mitigate the risks of IoT devices and in-vehicle networks?

Securing IoT devices and in-vehicle networks requires a multi-layered approach:

• Implement advanced encryption protocols for data transmission.
• Use robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
• Continuously monitor and update OTA systems to address vulnerabilities promptly. Regular assessments of network integrity and device security are also essential to reduce risks.