As modern road vehicles become increasingly connected, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standard guides automotive manufacturers and suppliers in managing cyber risks throughout a vehicle´s entire life cycle. It provides a structured framework for identifying and successfully mitigating security risks tied to threat scenarios that affect road-vehicle systems, functions, and electrical or electronic components — collectively referred to as “items.”
Implementing ISO/SAE 21434 provides a structured and comprehensive approach that helps organizations demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity management system (CSMS) requirements in regulations such as United Nations Economic Council for Europe (UNECE) Regulation No. 155, Cyber Security and Cyber Security Management System (commonly referred to as UN R155). By defining clear processes for governance, risk assessment, cybersecurity engineering, incident response and continuous improvement, ISO/SAE 21434 aligns closely with CSMS requirements for regulatory compliance.
ISO/SAE 21434 organizational management process certification
UN R155 requires vehicle manufacturers to have a functioning CSMS for a vehicle type to receive type approval. By achieving cybersecurity process certification according to ISO/SAE 21434, organizations can demonstrate the maturity and effectiveness of their CSMS, strengthen trust with partners and regulators, and embed cybersecurity consistently across development, production and operational activities.
ISO/SAE 21434 product certification
UN R155 also requires evidence that road-vehicle items are adequately protected against relevant threat scenarios. ISO/SAE 21434 certification helps demonstrate that the system or component has been engineered with appropriate safeguards and performs to the required level of security in its intended environment with confidence.
UL Certified Cybersecurity Professional Training in Automotive — ISO/SAE 21434
Our three-day course on security management systems and processes helps equip engineers, analysts and managers with a solid understanding of the relevant standards and the competencies needed to apply more secure development practices throughout the vehicle life cycle. Participants who complete the training are eligible to take the certification exam.
Why choose UL Solutions Software Intensive Systems as your trusted partner for comprehensive automotive cybersecurity?
Our expertise spans the full spectrum of industry-relevant cybersecurity standards, enabling us to support manufacturers, suppliers and system integrators with assessments tailored to today’s complex regulatory and technological landscape.
- Industry-leading expertise across global standards – We offer deep knowledge of automotive cybersecurity requirements and can also support compliance with other cybersecurity regulations across other industries. Visit our Cybersecurity service page to learn more.
- Continuous contribution to standardization and industry best practices – Through active participation in international committees, working groups and open technology platforms, we remain closely aligned with evolving regulatory developments — so you benefit from up-to-date cybersecurity expertise.
Cybersecurity training courses
We offer cybersecurity training courses to help participants of all experience levels build the knowledge and skills needed to help protect critical systems from cyber risks. Our portfolio spans topics such as:
- ISO/SAE 21434
- Other international standards and regulations
- Secure architectures and software updates required by ISO 24089
- Software-defined vehicle (SDV) cybersecurity
- The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
Frequently asked questions
- What is ISO/SAE 21434 and why is it important?
ISO/SAE 21434:2021 is the international standard for automotive cybersecurity engineering. It defines processes for identifying, assessing and addressing cybersecurity risks throughout the entire vehicle life cycle. Implementing the standard helps establish that cybersecurity is built into every stage of development — from concept and development through production, operation and decommissioning.
- Who is affected by ISO/SAE 21434?
- Vehicle manufacturers, commonly referred to as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
- Tier 1 and 2 suppliers
- How does ISO/SAE 21434 support regulatory compliance?
The standard is closely aligned with UN R155, which requires manufacturers to demonstrate robust cybersecurity management processes for vehicle type approval. Implementing ISO/SAE 21434 greatly simplifies achieving regulatory compliance.
- Does implementing ISO/SAE 21434 help reduce cybersecurity risks?
Yes, it provides a structured risk-based approach to analyzing threats, evaluating vulnerabilities and defining effective mitigation measures.
- How does the standard help to improve product quality and safety?
By enabling cybersecurity in engineering and development workflows, ISO/SAE 21434 can help strengthen system resilience to cyber threats — supporting cybersecurity and contributing to functional safety, reliability and overall product robustness.
- Is ISO/SAE 21434 necessary for partnerships and supply chains?
OEMs are increasingly requiring suppliers to demonstrate their cybersecurity capabilities. Implementing the standard can help increase trust and is often a prerequisite for doing business in automotive markets.
- Does it help manage cybersecurity across the full product life cycle?
Yes, ISO/SAE 21434 covers concept, design, development, production, operations, maintenance and decommissioning — underscoring that cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process over the vehicle life cycle.
- Will ISO/SAE 21434 help prepare for future cyber threats?
The standard requires continuous monitoring, improvement and incident response readiness. This proactive approach can help organizations stay ahead of emerging risks and adapt to evolving attack techniques.
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