ETAS releases Automotive Cyber Maturity Report 2024

• Survey reflects the different perspectives of the automotive industry on various cybersecurity topics
• Report is an essential tool for anyone working at the interface of automotive technology and cybersecurity

Stuttgart, Germany, July 31, 2024 – Modern vehicles can contain more lines of code than some fighter jets. In numbers, today’s cars have about 100 million lines of code. In comparison, a passenger aircraft has an estimated 15 million lines of code, a modern fighter jet about 25 million. This incredible complexity not only underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in the automotive industry, but also highlights the necessity for equally complex protective measures. The sheer volume of software code in today’s vehicles means that robust and sophisticated cybersecurity functions are essential. When systems are connected to the outside world, they require advanced know-how and comprehensive security strategies.

To guide automotive companies through this complexity and pave the way for cybersecurity solutions, ETAS announces the release of the Automotive Cyber Maturity Report 2024. The report is based on insights from the fourth annual Automotive Cyber Maturity Survey – executed and analyzed by ETAS cybersecurity experts.

The participants came from 19 countries and were divided into subject matter experts, first line managers as well as mid-and top-level managers (approximately one third each). 60 percent of the participants were suppliers, 22 percent OEMs, 8 percent from the semiconductor industry, and 10 percent others.

“The survey captures what cyber-mature companies do differently and what everyone else can learn from them,” says Dr. Thomas Irawan, President ETAS GmbH.

As vehicles become more connected and software-driven, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. The survey emphasizes the importance of collaboration, automation, and integrating security into every layer of software development.

Key insights from the report include:

• Cybersecurity boosts competitiveness – companies with high cyber maturity enjoy a clear competitive advantage.
• Cybersecurity has moved beyond peak hype – the industry has developed a more mature understanding that goes beyond achieving certifications.
• Increased focus on security operations and the ecosystem – the importance of security monitoring and protecting the software supply chain ecosystem is a top priority for companies with high cyber maturity.
• Generative AI (GenAI) requires appropriate consideration – the potential risks and opportunities that GenAI brings with it require special attention.

“Automotive companies tackle these challenges together, as sharing knowledge and collaborating is the key to protect road users and business models from evolving cyber threats,” closes Dr. Thomas Irawan, President ETAS GmbH.

ETAS would like to thank all who participated in this year's survey. The insights are crucial in steering the industry towards a more secure and innovative future.