Automakers must bolster cyber defences as digitalisation surge: Maruti chief

The automotive sector in India faces mounting cybersecurity challenges as digital integration accelerates across vehicle platforms and manufacturing operations, according to Maruti Suzuki Chairman Hisashi Takeuchi. Speaking on industry imperatives, Takeuchi outlined four key areas where automakers must strengthen their defences: robust cybersecurity frameworks, comprehensive contingency planning, greater localisation of critical systems, and enhanced supplier resilience.

As vehicles evolve into connected devices with embedded software and cloud-based features, the attack surface for cyber threats has expanded considerably. Takeuchi emphasised that automakers cannot afford to lag behind the pace of technological change, as hackers continuously develop new methods to exploit vulnerabilities in automotive ecosystems.

Beyond internal security measures, the Maruti chief stressed the importance of building a resilient supply chain where vendors and partners maintain equivalent cybersecurity standards. Deeper localisation of critical components and systems would also reduce dependencies and provide greater control over security protocols, he suggested.

The automotive industry's digital transformation has accelerated significantly in recent years, with manufacturers increasingly relying on software for engine management, autonomous features, and infotainment systems. Industry analysts note that while these innovations enhance performance and user experience, they simultaneously create new security risks that require proactive mitigation strategies and sustained investment in cyber infrastructure.