Opinion: Cybersecurity is the New Seatbelt for Indian Automakers
As cars evolve into connected, data-driven machines, the conversation around safety is changing, from airbags and crumple zones to encryption keys and firewalls. The era of digital mobility has brought innovation hand in hand with intrusion, making cybersecurity the new seatbelt for the Indian automotive industry.
Global standards like UNECE WP.29 and ISO/SAE 21434 have raised the bar, compelling Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to build cybersecurity directly into their product design and lifecycle. Non-compliance is no longer an option; it could mean losing access to international markets or eroding consumer trust at home.
While leading OEMs have begun integrating cybersecurity teams into their R&D and software development processes, smaller suppliers face a steeper climb. Many Tier-2 and Tier-3 vendors still view cybersecurity as an afterthought, leaving vulnerabilities in the supply chain that can be exploited by attackers.
The challenge goes beyond compliance. With vehicles now receiving over-the-air updates and storing vast amounts of user data, automakers must treat cybersecurity as an ongoing discipline rather than a one-time fix. The industry’s shift toward digital architecture demands constant vigilance because, in modern mobility, a data breach can be as catastrophic as a brake failure.
Editor’s View:
Cybersecurity is to connected cars what quality rubber is to tyres, unseen but indispensable. As vehicles rely more on software, the entire ecosystem, including tyre manufacturers experimenting with smart sensors, will need to think like tech firms. Every data point from the road to the cloud is now a security risk. Protecting it is no longer just a compliance box, it’s the new standard for safety.
