Cybersecurity as a Strategic Priority for the Automotive Industry
The future of mobility is built on trust – and trust begins with cybersecurity. The modern car has evolved into a sophisticated digital device. It is no longer merely a means of transport but a complex ecosystem of hundreds of control units, sensors, and software components. Contemporary vehicles contain around 100 million lines of code—more than many aerospace or financial systems. This opens vast opportunities for new services but also raises fundamental questions around cybersecurity and data protection.
The digitalization of vehicles is reshaping the entire value chain and redefining the relationship between manufacturers and customers. Cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical concern – it has become a strategic component of trust management and brand reputation.
Trends in Automotive Cybersecurity
- Cyberattacks are on the rise.
Experts widely agree that attacks on connected vehicles and the broader automotive ecosystem will continue to grow in both frequency and sophistication. - CSMS as a competitive advantage.
A Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) is no longer optional. Automakers view it as a prerequisite for meeting regulations such as UNECE R155 – and increasingly as a source of competitive differentiation. - Software architecture in focus.
Improving software architecture is considered one of the most effective levers for strengthening cybersecurity management and resilience. - Rising complexity.
The growing volume of software, interconnected systems, and diverse regional regulations make the design and implementation of security measures increasingly demanding. - Automation and AI.
Generative AI, automated threat detection, and real-time monitoring are becoming essential capabilities for advanced manufacturers.
From a risk management perspective, cybersecurity is gradually shifting from an IT issue to a matter of corporate governance. Organizations that successfully integrate it into product development, operations, and customer interaction achieve greater stability and long-term resilience.
The Car as a Data Center: Rethinking Security and Trust
We spoke with Tomáš Ježek, Manager in Trask’s Automotive team, about how the perception of the automobile is changing and what cybersecurity challenges arise along the way.
Today, refueling your car and paying directly from the vehicle without ever stepping inside the store is a reality. Cars are increasingly resembling smartphones. Should we be worried?
T.J.: Rather than fear, I’d recommend caution. As with smartphones, there are certain risks, so basic cybersecurity hygiene is key. For instance, being careful when accessing banking applications – the same principle applies to your vehicle.
What kind of data do cars collect today?
T.J.: Practically everything you interact with. Navigation systems capture your exact location, the vehicle knows your speed and driving behavior, and sensors can analyze your driving style. Microphones record voice commands; interior cameras can even detect the occupants. From this data, it’s relatively easy to infer your routines – where you live or which routes you take most often.
Where does this data go?
T.J.: Typically, it’s transferred to the cloud. However, regional regulations apply – for example, data must be stored locally within the EU or the US. Manufacturers have to adapt to these frameworks.
What about concerns around Chinese vehicles?
T.J.: If a customer buys a car through an official EU distributor, it must comply with the same regulations as any other automaker. The risk is higher with individually imported vehicles outside the standard distribution network.
Is there a difference in data handling between electric and combustion vehicles?
T.J.: Yes. An electric vehicle is essentially a digital product with a centralized architecture – think of it as a single supercomputer controlling everything. In combustion-engine cars, systems are more decentralized, which leads to different security approaches.
And what about the future?
T.J.: We’re moving toward greater autonomy, deeper AI integration, and robotics – for example, in the form of robotaxis. Cars will also become gateways to other industries such as insurance, finance, or entertainment. This makes it increasingly important to separate vehicle safety systems from value-added digital services.
Cybersecurity will increasingly be seen as a factor of corporate trust. Customers will expect manufacturers not only to meet compliance standards but also to communicate transparently about how data is collected, used, and protected. Openness will become a key component of brand value.
The Future of Automotive Performance Will Be Measured in Trust, Not Speed
The automotive industry stands at the threshold of a profound transformation. Software is becoming a core driver of vehicle value – and with it, cybersecurity. CSMS, robust software architectures, automation, and AI are no longer matters of the future but business necessities.
Cybersecurity in the automotive sector has outgrown its technical roots and evolved into a strategic management issue. For executives, this means integrating it into risk management, governance, and stakeholder relations. The trust of customers and regulators alike will increasingly depend on how transparently and effectively manufacturers handle data and security.
While regulations define the minimum standards, the true competitive advantage will lie in how quickly and effectively automakers can embed cybersecurity into their digital transformation.
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