As the automotive industry shifts gears towards Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) vehicles, a new world of possibilities opens for us all. However, these opportunities also bring challenges, especially in cybersecurity.
As vehicles increasingly become more connected and autonomous, we find ourselves navigating a complex new ecosystem laden with emerging cybersecurity risks. The auto industry has reached a crossroads. The companies that will emerge thriving will be those that support new use-cases, but also ensure the highest standards of safety and security.
At the heart of this transformation, an unexpected hero arises - the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). An SBOM is essentially an inventory. It's similar to any product manufacturing list. Rather than physical components, however, it details the software packages, libraries, and components within a given piece of software.
Given the ever-increasing reliance on software and connectivity in CASE vehicles, the importance of maintaining a secure software supply chain is paramount. The SBOM plays a crucial role in supporting software supply chain security by enabling vulnerability management, incident response, and much more.
Regulatory guidance such as UN Regulation No 155 on Cyber Security and Cyber Security Management Systems has further spotlighted the need for vehicle security. These regulations are a stepping stone in ensuring secure software updates, securing over-the-air (OTA) updates, and establishing dedicated programs that manage cyber risks to vehicles.
So, how can SBOMs help address these regulatory requirements and cyber threats?
The answer is that it all comes down to continuous visibility and transparency. Having a comprehensive SBOM offers clarity about the software components in use, their status, and their vulnerabilities. That helps in incident response and in the update process, and can significantly reduce cyber risks.
The Finite State Next Generation Platform provides live views into risks that lurk within CASE infrastructure. Our platform offers continuous visibility, deep insights, comprehensive SBOMs, and verification of source origin. This holistic approach can significantly improve the management of software supply chain risks, help prevent threats, and provide peace of mind when it comes to continuous compliance with required frameworks.
The revolution of CASE vehicles is upon us. It's now time to ensure that the vehicles of today (and tomorrow) are as safe and secure as they are innovative and sustainable.
Want to deep dive into the role of SBOMs in CASE vehicle security?
Our new comprehensive guide, "Supporting Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) Vehicle Security Using SBOMs" explores how SBOMs can improve CASE vehicle security by offering a detailed inventory of software packages, libraries, and components.
Get behind the wheel and explore our white paper today to learn more about the future of CASE vehicle security and how the Finite State platform helps drive forward software supply chain security for CASE vehicles.