NHTSA releases updated vehicle cybersecurity best practices

The NHTSA recommends the automotive industry follow the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) documented Cybersecurity Framework in order to “build a comprehensive and systematic approach to developing layered cybersecurity protections for vehicles.” (Credit: denisismagilov/stock.adobe.com)

In the midst of ever-evolving cyberthreats, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently updated its Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Safety of Modern Vehicles report, which was originally released in 2016. The 2022 report leveraged research and industry activity over the last six years in order to provide updated guidance for how the automotive industry can improve motor vehicle cybersecurity.

The non-binding recommendations from the NHTSA fall into two main categories: general best practices and technical best practices.