TO THE EDITOR:
July 2022 will be here before we know it, meaning global automakers and suppliers will have to comply with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's mandated cybersecurity regulations or risk not being able to sell their products globally. In short, this means OEMs need to show evidence of sufficient cyber-risk management practices — from vehicle development to post-production. Failure to comply could result in billions of dollars in lost opportunities.
Training and international consulting firms like Kugler Maag Cie are seeing a rising trend in requests from automakers and suppliers for cybersecurity management system and software update management system audits to ensure compliance. These early audits allow organizations to pinpoint potential weaknesses, prepare improvement plans and deliver projects efficiently and profitably while maximizing innovation.
The industry is urged to:
- Identify threats early.
- Coach the greater team on the cybersecurity regulations and standards along with how to apply them during development.
- Adapt workflows and procedures to address cybersecurity issues and establish improved ways of working securely.
It's expected the commission will start seeking evidence of cyber-risk management practices in the near future, so Tier 1 suppliers should start setting their sights on helping automakers meet these strict guidelines.
PETER ABOWD, CEO, Kugler Maag Cie North America Inc. Troy, Mich.
