Hello. Engineers, this is Hermes Solutions, your source of knowledge. Today we’re going to talk about the ISO/SAE 21434 Cybersecurity Training and Awareness Program, which is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry.
What is ISO/SAE 21434?
ISO/SAE 21434 is an international standard for automotive cybersecurity that provides a framework for securing electronic systems and software in vehicles. The standard, which came into effect in 2021, specifies how to manage cybersecurity risks throughout the entire lifecycle of a vehicle.
By complying with the ISO/SAE 21434 standard, organizations can gain a number of benefits, including
Overcome barriers to market entry due to meeting regulatory requirements.
Improve product quality and safety through systematic cybersecurity management
Increase protection of vehicle systems and user data from cyber threats
Reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring the integrity of safety-critical systems
Increase brand credibility and customer satisfaction
Gain a competitive edge in the global automotive supply chain
Increase cost efficiency by considering security from the earliest stages of development
Enhance privacy and minimize legal liability
As you can see, ISO/SAE 21434 goes beyond mere regulatory compliance and is an important framework for securing a company’s long-term competitiveness. In order to effectively implement this framework, everyone in the organization must understand the importance of cybersecurity and have the knowledge and skills appropriate to their role. Therefore, a systematic training program and company-wide awareness is essential.
The importance of training and awareness
ISO/SAE 21434 emphasizes security awareness and competency development for all members of the organization as a key element of automotive cybersecurity. This is not just the responsibility of the IT or security departments, but an enterprise-wide security culture that involves all personnel involved in the entire automotive lifecycle, from development to production, service, and disposal. Because a lack of security awareness in one department or individual can lead to vulnerabilities in the entire system, it’s important that each member has security knowledge specific to their role and applies it in their daily work. This enterprise-wide cybersecurity culture contributes to improved threat detection, practical implementation of regulatory compliance, balancing security and innovation, and securing the necessary investment and support, making it a key competitive advantage for organizations in an increasingly complex connected and autonomous vehicle environment.
An effective cybersecurity training program should focus on improving employees’ ability to respond in the real world, including scenario-based training in situations that resemble real-world work environments, rather than simply delivering theory. Next, let’s take a look at the essential components of such an effective training program.
Components of an effective cybersecurity training program
Understand changes in mobility and the automotive industry
How modern mobility is changing and evolving
New cybersecurity challenges posed by digitalization, interconnectivity, and automation
Specialized cybersecurity issues and risks in the automotive industry
Teach basic cybersecurity concepts
Characteristics and case analysis of different types of cyber attacks
Systematic security threat analysis methodology
Understanding of basic security technologies and response mechanisms
In-depth training on automotive-specific cybersecurity
Modeling security threats by vehicle system
Security vulnerability analysis from the perspective of automotive electronic architecture
Automotive network security technologies (CAN, Ethernet, 5G, etc.)
Security management in autonomous driving and V2X communication
Understanding the regulatory and standards environment
International automotive cybersecurity regulatory frameworks
Approval processes by vehicle type and component
Regional regulatory differences and compliance strategies
Deep dive into the ISO/SAE 21434 standard
Understand the structure and core requirements of the standard
Threat analysis and risk assessment (TARA) methodology
Building and operating a cybersecurity management system (CSMS)
The entire process from security concept design to validation
hands-on workshops and labs
Real-world case-based threat modeling exercises
Documentation exercises for ISO/SAE 21434 compliance
How to write and validate security requirements statements
Exercises on responding to simulated cyber attack scenarios
Certification preparation and exam fees
Prepare for the exam to become certified as a cybersecurity professional
Understand the assessment factors and criteria for each level
Continuous professional development and certification
This professional training program offered by Hermes Solutions develops cybersecurity engineering competencies across the automotive lifecycle and provides practical knowledge and skills for the effective implementation of the ISO/SAE 21434 standard. By balancing theoretical foundations with practical applications, Hermes Solutions enables participants to respond effectively to the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape of the automotive industry. This program enables students to qualify as an ISO/SAE 21434 Cybersecurity Professional faster and more easily.
Our approach to ISO/SAE 21434 training
With years of experience in automotive cybersecurity training, Hermes Solutions has developed a unique training approach that drives tangible growth for our clients. Here’s a look at our training journey that goes beyond mere theoretical delivery to create practical, hands-on change.
Tailored training that starts with a diagnosis
Before we start training, we assess the cybersecurity capabilities of each role in your organization. In the case of Company A, an automotive parts manufacturer, the development team was strong in code security but weak in modeling security threats during the system integration phase. This diagnosis led to a customized training plan that focused on their needs.
Practitioner-designed, hands-on training content
Developed with the direct involvement of real-world engineers, the training materials accurately reflect real-world problems. The TARA (Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment) workshop we provided to Company B, a developer of automotive electronics systems, used an electric vehicle battery management system under development as the object of analysis, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Moving beyond learning to practice
After the training, we provide mentoring by applying it to real projects over a period of time. In the process, Company C, an automobile manufacturer, was able to independently discover and resolve security vulnerabilities in its existing products.
Verifying training effectiveness
Hermes Solutions systematically measures training effectiveness. We continuously validate the effectiveness of our training programs by assessing the knowledge gains and practical application of our participants.
Creating a sustainable security culture
We build an ongoing learning ecosystem, not just a one-time training. Company D, an automotive electronics manufacturer, offers an annual program that includes monthly cybersecurity briefings and quarterly simulation exercises, which has significantly improved security awareness and communication across the organization.
With this differentiated approach, Hermes Solutions’ training programs provide participants with knowledge that can be immediately applied to the workplace and effectively support them in achieving ISO/SAE 21434 certification.
Wrapping up
Cybersecurity training and awareness programs aligned to the ISO/SAE 21434 standard are critical to fostering a culture of security in your organization that goes beyond simple compliance. As cars become more connected and autonomous, the cybersecurity awareness of all employees is directly related to the competitiveness of the organization.
In the automotive industry, cybersecurity is no longer an option, but a necessity. Hermès Solutions is ready to be your partner in preparing for the future of the automotive industry with our ISO/SAE 21434-specific training programs. We invite you to join us on our journey to strengthen your cybersecurity competitiveness.
