Importance of Cybersecurity Growing as Auto Industry Moves Toward Software-Defined Vehicles
Revised Opening: Linking Automation and Cybersecurity Imperatives
LEIPZIG, Germany — As the global automotive industry accelerates its pivot to software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and embraces intelligent automation and industrial automation technologies, the critical role of cybersecurity has never been more pronounced. South Korean automotive cybersecurity firm Autocrypt’s European branch head, Lee Joo-hwa, emphasized this at the 2025 International Transport Forum Summit, warning that the integration of automation equipment and connected systems is creating new vulnerabilities.
“The era of software-defined vehicles is here, where intelligent automation drives functions like autonomous navigation and over-the-air updates,” Lee told Yonhap News Agency. “But with industrial automation equipment enabling tighter connectivity—from smart sensors to automated production lines—cars are no longer isolated machines. They’re part of a network, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.”
Core Analysis: Risks in an Automated, Connected Ecosystem
SDVs, which rely on software to manage everything from engine performance to passenger experiences, depend heavily on automation equipment such as IoT sensors, AI-driven control units, and robotic assembly systems. While these technologies enhance efficiency and functionality, they also expand the “attack surface” for hackers.
- Safety Risks: A breach in automation equipment’s firmware or communication protocols could disable critical systems. “Imagine a cyberattack manipulating signals to override braking systems,” Lee said. “In an SDV, such vulnerabilities could turn routine drives into life-threatening scenarios.”
- Data Privacy Threats: SDVs collect vast amounts of data—from driver biometrics to real-time location data. “With intelligent automationprocessing this data at scale, a single breach could expose millions of records,” she added.
Autocrypt, founded in 2019, has become a key player in securing these automated ecosystems. The company provides cybersecurity solutions to over 20 automakers, including Hyundai, Audi, and GM, and protects industrial automation equipment in 40% of global auto parts manufacturers’ facilities. Its solutions range from encrypting data transmitted by automation equipment to detecting anomalies in AI-driven production lines.
Regulatory and Market Dynamics: Mandating Security in Automated Systems
Governments are recognizing the need to secure intelligent automation and industrial automation infrastructure. The EU’s 2023 regulations now require all new vehicles to include cybersecurity management systems, while South Korea’s revised Motor Vehicle Management Act (August 2024) and India’s upcoming rules (2027) aim to do the same.
“Regulations set the baseline, but automakers must go further,” Lee noted. “Industrial automation equipment in factories and intelligent automation in vehicles are only as secure as the safeguards built into them.”
Rising Threats and Industry Responses
Cyberattacks on automotive systems are escalating. In 2024, Upstream Security identified 108 mobility-focused ransomware attacks and 214 data breaches, many exploiting vulnerabilities in automation equipment or SDV software. Hyundai and Kia’s U.S. theft crisis—spurred by lacking immobilizers in connected systems—highlighted the risks. Hyundai’s 2024 launch of a dedicated cybersecurity center reflects the industry’s growing urgency.
The market for automotive cybersecurity is projected to triple from $3.5 billion (2024) to $10.4 billion (2034), driven by the need to secure intelligent automation workflows and industrial automation networks. As Autocrypt prepares for its June IPO on Korea’s KOSDAQ, the company’s growth underscores how cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of automotive innovation.
Revised Closing: The Inseparable Bond of Automation and Security
“The automotive industry’s future hinges on intelligent automation and connectivity, but these advancements are meaningless without robust cybersecurity,” Lee concluded. “Every automation equipment installed in a factory or vehicle is a potential gateway for attackers. To thrive in the SDV era, automakers must treat security not as an afterthought but as the foundation of their automated ecosystems.”
As vehicles evolve into “computers on wheels,” the integration of intelligent automation, industrial automation, and cybersecurity will determine whether the industry’s digital transformation succeeds—or succumbs to the rising tide of cyber threats.
