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ISO 21434 Over-the-Air (OTA) Update Security Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for implementing secure over-the-air (OTA) update processes in the automotive industry, ensuring compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 standards and addressing potential cybersecurity risks associated with remote software updates in connected vehicles.

ISO 21434 Over-the-Air (OTA) Update Security Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

As vehicles become increasingly connected and software-dependent, the security of over-the-air (OTA) updates is crucial for maintaining vehicle integrity and safety. The ISO 21434 Over-the-Air (OTA) Update Security Checklist is an essential tool for automotive manufacturers and cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance with the ISO/SAE 21434 standard in managing secure OTA updates. This comprehensive checklist addresses the critical need for robust security measures in the distribution, verification, and installation of software updates in connected vehicles. By implementing this checklist, automotive professionals can enhance the security of OTA update processes, protect vehicles from potential cyber threats, and maintain customer trust in an era of constantly evolving automotive technology.

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Industry

Automotive

Standard

ISO/SAE 21434 - Automotive Cybersecurity

Workspaces

Automotive Development Centers

Occupations

Automotive Software Engineer
Cybersecurity Specialist
OTA System Designer
Vehicle System Integrator
Quality Assurance Manager
1
Is the update authentication method robust and compliant with ISO 21434?

Select the authentication method used.

To ensure that the OTA updates are securely authenticated to prevent unauthorized access.
2
Are security measures in place for remote updates?

Indicate if security measures are implemented.

To ensure that remote updates do not expose the vehicle to cybersecurity risks.
3
What is the frequency of integrity checks for software updates (in days)?

Enter the frequency of integrity checks.

To assess how regularly the software update integrity is validated against vulnerabilities.
Min: 1
Target: 30
Max: 365
4
What is the deployment strategy for OTA updates?

Select the deployment strategy used.

To evaluate the strategy in place to ensure safe and effective deployment of updates.
5
Is the data transmitted during OTA updates encrypted?

Select the encryption status.

To verify that sensitive data is protected during transmission to prevent interception.
6
Please provide details of the latest vulnerability assessment report related to OTA updates.

Enter details of the assessment report.

To understand the current vulnerabilities and measures taken to mitigate them.
7
What is the average incident response time for OTA update issues (in hours)?

Enter the average response time in hours.

To determine the efficiency of the incident response to update-related cybersecurity threats.
Min: 1
Target: 24
Max: 72
8
What is the process for verifying OTA updates before deployment?

Select the verification process used.

To ensure that there are adequate checks in place to validate updates.
9
Is the OTA update process compliant with relevant regulatory standards?

Select the compliance status.

To ensure adherence to legal and industry standards for cybersecurity in automotive updates.
10
Describe the cybersecurity training program for personnel involved in OTA updates.

Provide details about the training program.

To assess the preparedness of staff in handling cybersecurity risks related to OTA updates.
11
What is the maximum rollback time for OTA updates in case of failure (in hours)?

Enter the maximum rollback time in hours.

To evaluate the efficiency of the rollback mechanism after a failed update.
Min: 1
Target: 2
Max: 48
12
What logging mechanism is in place for OTA updates?

Select the logging mechanism used.

To ensure that all update activities are logged and can be audited for security purposes.
13
Is there an access control mechanism in place for OTA updates?

Select the access control status.

To ensure that only authorized personnel can initiate or manage OTA updates.
14
Are regular security audits conducted for the OTA update process?

Indicate if regular audits are conducted.

To confirm ongoing assessment and improvement of security measures related to OTA updates.
15
What is the maximum size of an OTA update package (in MB)?

Enter the maximum size of the update package in megabytes.

To assess the potential impact on network bandwidth and performance during updates.
Min: 1
Target: 100
Max: 500
16
What is the protocol for reporting incidents related to OTA updates?

Select the incident reporting protocol.

To ensure there is a clear process for reporting and responding to security incidents.
17
Is the source of the software updates verified before deployment?

Select the source verification status.

To ensure that only legitimate and secure sources are used for software updates.
18
Provide details of the incident response plan related to OTA updates.

Enter details about the incident response plan.

To assess the preparedness and effectiveness of the response to security incidents.
19
What is the historical failure rate of OTA updates (in percentage)?

Enter the failure rate as a percentage.

To evaluate the reliability and robustness of the OTA update process.
Min: 0
Target: 5
Max: 100
20
What is the process for reviewing OTA updates after deployment?

Select the post-update review process.

To ensure that there are mechanisms in place to evaluate the success and security of updates.

FAQs

The primary focus is to guide automotive organizations in implementing secure processes for over-the-air software updates in vehicles, ensuring compliance with the ISO/SAE 21434 standard and protecting against potential cybersecurity threats during update procedures.

This checklist should be implemented by automotive software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, OTA update system designers, quality assurance professionals, and vehicle system integrators involved in the development and management of OTA update capabilities.

By providing a structured approach to securing OTA update processes, this checklist helps prevent unauthorized access, tampering, or installation of malicious software during remote updates, thereby maintaining the integrity and security of vehicle systems.

The checklist covers various aspects of OTA updates, including secure update package creation, cryptographic signing, secure transmission, authentication and authorization mechanisms, integrity verification, rollback procedures, and post-update validation.

Key areas include secure update server infrastructure, update package encryption and signing, secure communication protocols, vehicle authentication mechanisms, update integrity checks, secure storage of update packages, installation verification, and incident response procedures for failed updates.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 OTA update security requirements

Mitigates risks associated with remote software updates in vehicles

Enhances the integrity and authenticity of software updates

Improves overall vehicle cybersecurity posture

Facilitates seamless and secure software maintenance for connected vehicles