Press Release, 20 January 2025
SecureThings.ai, a USA-based leading automotive cybersecurity solutions company, announced a partnership with PwC India aimed at addressing critical cybersecurity challenges faced by automotive manufacturers as they shift towards software- defined vehicles with enhanced connectivity, underscoring the need for robust security measures across all layers of automotive development. This collaboration
will help transform the way automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and automotive suppliers integrate and adapt their cybersecurity measures throughout the entire product lifecycle across the supply chain.
Preeti Agarwal, CTO, SecureThings.ai opined “Cyber Assurance for vehicles in alignment with regulatory compliance is a moving target. It involves cybersecurity implementation across all layers of the connected vehicle ecosystem and managing it throughout the vehicle lifecycle. Our strategic engagement with PwC India creates most comprehensive value proposition for OEMs and suppliers. The offering covers regulatory consultancy, cybersecurity research, embedded cybersecurity products along with long term cybersecurity support including vulnerability management, cybersecurity incident response, proactive threat intelligence and more. The engagement has positioned us as the leading cyber assurance partner for automotive players.”
According to Aniruddha Kadkol, Executive Director – Risk Consulting, PwC India, “The alliance with SecureThings will enable our automotive clients to accelerate the deployment of end-to-end solutions through their product life cycle. PwC India’s change and technology management skills, coupled with SecureThings’ deep expertise in cybersecurity engineering and intrusion detection systems, our clients can expect a comprehensive solution for their cyber threat mitigation requirements.”
A major challenge faced by Indian automotive enterprises is the ability to adapt and embed comprehensive cybersecurity strategies into every phase of the product life cycle. In addition to this, compliance with stringent Indian and international cybersecurity standards, such as AIS-189/190 and UNECE 155/156, is a critical concern. This includes obtaining approvals for cybersecurity management systems and securing Vehicle-Based Type Approvals from regulatory authorities. There is also the need for aligning ISO 26262 based Functional Safety Hazard and Risk Analysis (HARA) to ISO 21434 based Threat and Risk Analysis (TARA) paradigm for determination, implementation and management of cybersecurity throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
SecureThings Co-Founder and CEO, Vishal Bajpai said “SecureThings is leading a revolution in automotive cybersecurity innovation. By leveraging our deep security research, AI/ML-based solutions, we empower the automotive players to stay relevant in the race against cyberattacks. As cybersecurity complexity evolves, we equip OEMs and their suppliers with the state of the art solutions and insights
needed to safeguard their operations against emerging threats and regulatory requirements.” He added “PwC India has a rich portfolio of risk and advisory services and works with several prestigious OEMs. This partnership aims at helping PwC India build its position as a leading provider of cyber assurance as well as gives SecureThings an opportunity of extending its foot print in the global market.”
“The ability to offer real-time visibility and proactive threat mediation through the Vehicle Security Operations Center (V-SOC) is a game changer for the industry,” said Vivek Belgavi, Partner and Leader, Alliances and Ecosystems at PwC India. “The V-SOC solution empowers OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and fleet management organizations with the tools needed to respond swiftly and effectively to cyber threats.”
With SecureThings and PwC India’s integrated approach, we can facilitate the accelerated assimilation of cybersecurity standards across various enterprise functions. We provide comprehensive program management, utilise template-driven processes, and offer tool-based support for risk impact and threat analysis. This ensures a seamless and efficient integration of cybersecurity measures from the initial concept through to the market and end-of-life cycles of automotive products.
This strategic alliance addresses the evolving needs of the automotive industry by bridging significant skill gaps in cybersecurity. Automotive clients are increasingly facing new and complex challenges as vehicle connectivity grows, leading to heightened cyber risks. Our partnership empowers these clients with the tools and expertise necessary to manage these risks effectively and to extend cybersecurity competencies across their enterprises. By simplifying the integration of cybersecurity into core engineering aspects and ensuring adherence to evolving standards and compliance requirements, we help safeguard customers in real time and contribute to a secure and resilient automotive ecosystem.
About SecureThings:
Founded in 2017, SecureThings.AI leads the charge in automotive cybersecurity innovation, equipping industry players with advanced solutions and insights to navigate regulatory complexities and emerging threats. The company is registered in Delaware State, USA as a “C Corporation” company. It also has a fully owned subsidiary registered as “Securethings.ai Private Limited” in India. This includes presence across R&D centers in Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Gurgaon. SecureThings has product suits of multi layered cybersecurity solutions to design, implement and manage cybersecurity of entire vehicle electrical & electronic (E/E) architecture. The vehicle security portfolio also includes security controls stacks and intrusion detection/monitoring solutions for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. The offboard cybersecurity solutions from SecureThings offers the AI/ML based threat intelligence solution “xSecureSquadron” to provide vulnerability management, security incident monitoring and response, analytics for attack trends, forensic analysis and cybersecurity critical insights. SecureThings also offers most comprehensive regulatory advisory to help OEMS and Tier-1 in adopting standards like ISO 21434 to meet AIS 189/190 and UN R 155/156 regulations. Over the years SecureThings has helped OEMs and suppliers across USA, Israel, Europe and India to make informed cybersecurity decisions, implement state of the art cybersecurity, avoid costly vehicle re-calls and manage cybersecurity lifecycle for vehicle fleets.
