Cybercrime in Automotive – How Manufacturers Can Protect Their Supply Chains

Cybercrime in automotive manufacturing has become one of the most pressing concerns facing the industry today. As vehicles, production systems, and supply chains become more connected through technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the risk of cyberattacks has skyrocketed. Automotive manufacturers must now look beyond physical security and quality control to protect digital assets, production data, and customer information.

The Expanding Threat Landscape

Modern vehicles and manufacturing systems rely on thousands of connected components, making the industry more vulnerable than ever. Attackers can exploit weaknesses in production software, automation tools, or even third-party integrations. These cyberattacks can lead to production halts, data theft, or compromised safety systems — proving that cybercrime in the automotive industry is not just an IT issue but an operational and reputational one.

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has further expanded digital exposure. Automotive companies now collect and manage vast amounts of sensitive data from vehicles, charging networks, and customer portals. Each new connection point increases the potential for a data breach or ransomware attack targeting valuable intellectual property and customer information.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Another major cybersecurity challenge lies within the global automotive supply chain. Manufacturers depend on numerous suppliers, each with varying levels of cybersecurity maturity. A single breach within a supplier’s network can quickly spread to manufacturers and disrupt operations across multiple production sites. This interconnectivity has made supply chain cybersecurity a critical focus for the automotive sector.

How to Prevent Cybercrime in Automotive Manufacturing

To mitigate these risks, automotive manufacturers must take a proactive, system-wide approach to cybersecurity. Some best practices include:

• Implementing strong access controls and network segmentation.
• Regularly auditing third-party suppliers and vendors for security compliance.
• Training employees to identify phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
• Establishing incident response and recovery procedures.
• Maintaining compliance with information security standards such as ISO/IEC 27001.

These actions help reduce vulnerabilities, build resilience, and protect against both internal and external threats.

Building a Culture of Cybersecurity

Beyond technology, success against cybercrime in automotive depends on awareness and accountability. Organizations must foster a culture where cybersecurity is viewed as a shared responsibility across departments. Continuous training, regular risk assessments, and leadership engagement all play vital roles in sustaining protection over time.

In this evolving landscape, manufacturers who prioritize cybersecurity not only protect their assets but also gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness to their partners and customers.

Learn More About Protecting Your Business

To learn how to strengthen your company’s defenses against cyber threats, contact a project manager at pjr@pjr.com or explore our Information Security Management services.
For broader insights, visit the official CISA Cybersecurity Best Practices page.