Description

This curriculum spans the technical and organizational complexity of a multi-phase automotive cybersecurity program, comparable to the coordinated efforts seen in OEM-led secure development lifecycle integrations, supplier governance rollouts, and regulatory compliance campaigns across global vehicle platforms.

Module 1: Threat Modeling and Risk Assessment in Vehicle Systems

Conducting STRIDE-based threat modeling for electronic control units (ECUs) across powertrain, infotainment, and ADAS domains.
Mapping attack surfaces introduced by vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication interfaces including DSRC and C-V2X.
Integrating ISO/SAE 21434 risk assessment workflows into existing automotive development lifecycle (ADL) gates.
Evaluating trade-offs between threat likelihood and exploit impact when prioritizing mitigations for legacy ECUs without secure boot.
Defining asset criticality for data elements such as brake actuator commands versus cabin microphone streams.
Coordinating threat model updates across OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and software vendors under shared responsibility models.

Module 2: Secure Communication Protocols for In-Vehicle Networks

Implementing CAN FD with CANsec for message authentication and replay protection in mixed legacy and modern ECU environments.
Configuring Ethernet AVB/TSN security profiles including MACsec for high-bandwidth ADAS sensor data transmission.
Designing secure gateway routing policies between isolated domains (e.g., body control vs. autonomous driving).
Managing key distribution for symmetric encryption in resource-constrained ECUs using pre-shared key (PSK) infrastructures.
Diagnosing timing side-channel vulnerabilities in time-triggered protocols like FlexRay under encrypted payloads.
Validating protocol conformance using standardized test suites such as OPEN Alliance TC13 for Ethernet security.

Module 3: Hardware Security Integration and Root of Trust

Selecting HSMs or TPMs based on performance, cost, and cryptographic algorithm support for specific ECU roles.
Implementing secure boot chains with measured boot logs for auditability across multiple ECU vendors.
Integrating PUF-based key generation in microcontrollers to prevent key extraction during physical attacks.
Managing lifecycle states (e.g., development, production, repair) in secure elements without enabling backdoors.
Designing secure firmware update mechanisms that bind to hardware-anchored keys without disrupting vehicle operation.
Coordinating with silicon vendors to validate side-channel resistance of cryptographic implementations in SoCs.

Module 4: Over-the-Air (OTA) Update Security and Management

Architecting dual-signed update packages using OEM and supplier keys to enforce joint authorization.
Implementing delta updates with cryptographic integrity checks while minimizing bandwidth and storage overhead.
Enforcing rollback protection using monotonic counters or version locks in ECUs with limited NVRAM.
Designing fallback mechanisms to known-good images after failed updates without compromising audit trails.
Integrating OTA security into Uptane framework workflows with primary and secondary repositories.
Monitoring update compliance across global fleets while respecting regional data residency regulations.

Module 5: Intrusion Detection and Anomaly Monitoring Systems

Deploying signature-based and behavioral IDS rules on vehicle gateways using AUTOSAR-compliant interfaces.
Calibrating anomaly detection thresholds for CAN traffic to reduce false positives during aggressive driving.
Aggregating and correlating security events across domains using standardized formats like IEC 62304-3 logs.
Implementing secure event logging with write-once storage to prevent tampering during post-incident analysis.
Configuring IDS response actions (e.g., rate limiting, ECU isolation) without triggering unintended vehicle behavior.
Validating IDS efficacy using red team exercises that simulate CAN injection and fuzzing attacks.

Module 6: Compliance with Regulatory and Industry Standards

Mapping UN R155 cybersecurity management system (CSMS) requirements to internal audit and documentation processes.
Preparing evidence dossiers for type approval authorities demonstrating continuous threat monitoring.
Aligning internal secure coding standards with ISO/SAE 21434 software development clauses.
Conducting third-party penetration testing in accordance with WP.29 GRVA evaluation criteria.
Documenting supply chain security controls for software components including open-source dependencies.
Updating compliance posture in response to evolving regulations such as EU CRA for software updates.

Module 7: Supply Chain and Third-Party Security Governance

Enforcing security requirements in procurement contracts with Tier 2 and Tier 3 component suppliers.
Validating SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) accuracy and completeness for third-party middleware.
Conducting on-site security assessments of supplier development environments handling proprietary algorithms.
Managing cryptographic key handover processes between OEMs and suppliers during production ramp-up.
Requiring vulnerability disclosure agreements with external vendors to enable coordinated response.
Implementing secure data exchange channels for diagnostic and calibration data with aftermarket tool providers.

Module 8: Incident Response and Forensic Readiness

Designing ECU memory dump capabilities that preserve forensic artifacts without violating privacy regulations.
Establishing secure communication channels between vehicle and SOC for encrypted alert transmission.
Defining data retention policies for vehicle logs that balance investigative needs and GDPR/CCPA compliance.
Conducting tabletop exercises simulating ransomware attacks on infotainment systems with fleet-wide impact.
Integrating vehicle-specific indicators of compromise (IOCs) into enterprise SIEM platforms.
Coordinating with law enforcement and regulatory bodies during cross-border cybersecurity incidents.