Like many industries, the automotive sector is facing considerable information security challenges. Digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and networking of connected vehicles with the implementation of new mobility concepts require comprehensive data protection and security. Establishment of industry-wide standards can provide crucial support in this regard. This is precisely the task of ENX Association based in Frankfurt am Main and Paris – an association of car manufacturers, suppliers and national automotive associations. Its aim is to enable secure and trustworthy collaboration in industrial value creation networks, especially within the automotive supply chain.

Following a successful audit by TÜV NORD, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has become one of the first companies in the world to receive the ENX vehicle cybersecurity audit (ENX VCS) certificate from ENX Association, highlighting its pioneering role in cybersecurity within the automotive industry.

With the ENX VCS audit, the organisation has established a new leading certification standard for the automotive industry. ENX VCS was developed in collaboration with automotive industry experts including OEMs, suppliers and service providers. At the invitation of ENX and TÜV NORD, which is one of several testing service providers for the certificate, G+D also took part in the pilot phase as a leading company in cybersecurity.

With ENX VCS, G+D provides standardised proof of an implemented CSMS in accordance with the international certification standard ISO/SAE 21434 and the ISO/PAS 5112 guideline. This means the company meets the technical requirements for implementing a CSMS in the supply chain and implements the necessary standardised procedures for managing risks.

“For us, security is a central component of our technologies and solutions,” said Jan Eichholz, head of connectivity and IoT security at G+D. “Certifications may not seem exciting but, when it comes to security, they are indispensable, especially in the automotive industry. Many regulatory requirements have to be observed for every type approval and the cybersecurity of the vehicle is also playing an increasingly important role.”