VicOne and Trend Micro Collaborate for Automotive Cyber Safety
In an ever-evolving automotive landscape, VicOne, a leading figure in automotive cybersecurity, joined forces with Trend Micro to host the impactful Pwn2Own Automotive 2025 event. This significant gathering took place at Automotive World, highlighting the urgent need for advancing industry cybersecurity amidst the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Understanding the Pwn2Own Automotive Contest
Pwn2Own Automotive serves as a crucial annual competition aimed at identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in connected vehicle technology. This year, cybersecurity specialists from across the globe uncovered an impressive 49 unique zero-day vulnerabilities, focusing on critical components like in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The standout participant, Sina Kheirkhah from the Summoning Team, earned the title of Pwn2Own Automotive 2025 Master of Pwn.
The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Automotive Sector
The current automotive transformation led by SDVs mandates an enhanced focus on cybersecurity to maintain safety and reliability. Max Cheng, CEO of VicOne, emphasized this necessity, stating, “Platforms like Pwn2Own Automotive are essential for uncovering vulnerabilities and addressing risks before they escalate. The industry can proactively enhance vehicle security, enabling safer and more resilient progress in mobility.”
Emerging Trends and Vulnerabilities in Automotive Technology
As the automotive sector integrates SDVs, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and artificial intelligence (AI), both functionality and security come into sharp focus. While these innovations promise significant benefits, they also create new cybersecurity risks, such as threats stemming from AI, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and challenges related to over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Insights from VicOne's Annual Report
The forthcoming VicOne annual report for 2025 reveals troubling statistics, showing a significant surge in automotive-related vulnerabilities. In 2024, the reported vulnerabilities reached 530, nearly double that of 2019. This alarming trend underscores the expanded attack surface as the automotive systems evolve.
Financially, cyberattacks wreaked tolls of over $22 billion in damages in the past year, with data breaches and personal information leaks accounting for $20 billion of that figure. The automotive sector's suppliers and dealers emerged as prime targets, representing the bulk of these cyber incidents.
Key Recommendations for Automotive Cybersecurity
The upcoming report outlines several insights and recommendations for the automotive sector:
- Embrace a security-first strategy that includes robust defenses, compliance with regulations, and collaborative development to safeguard the mobility future.
- Anticipate supply-chain vulnerabilities as a leading area of concern, coupled with a rise in ransomware and OTA compromise risks.
- Address emerging threats encompassing AI manipulation, cloud attacks, and sensor data spoofing in autonomous technologies.
Innovative Solutions by VicOne
At the Automotive World 2025 event, VicOne exhibited a range of advanced solutions tailored to protect the interconnected vehicle ecosystem:
- xZETA, focused on managing software bill of materials (SBOM) and addressing zero-day vulnerabilities.
- Smart Cockpit Protection, utilizing AI-driven security to shield advanced automotive cockpit technologies from breaches.
- xCarbon, employing edge AI processing for real-time vehicle data analysis to preemptively combat cyber threats.
- xNexus, the Vehicle Security Operations Center (VSOC) support platform dedicated to managing security operations efficiently.
- xScope, which integrates sophisticated techniques for identifying vulnerabilities and crafting tailored client reports.
Additionally, VicOne's booth showcased the collaborative efforts with numerous partner companies, reflecting its integrated approach to cybersecurity.
About VicOne
Dedicated to pioneering innovation in vehicle cybersecurity, VicOne leads the automotive industry in delivering comprehensive security solutions. As a subsidiary of Trend Micro, it leverages over 30 years of cybersecurity expertise to provide unparalleled protection to its clients.
Exploring the Future of Cybersecurity in Automotive
As the automotive industry advances towards a more connected future, the need for resilient cybersecurity becomes increasingly paramount. VicOne’s commitment to evolving technologies alongside innovative solutions sets a benchmark for industry standards while ensuring that vehicles remain secure against the backdrop of technological change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pwn2Own Automotive event?
The Pwn2Own Automotive event is a competition designed to uncover vulnerabilities in automotive technologies through real-world testing by cybersecurity researchers.
Why is cybersecurity critical for software-defined vehicles?
Software-defined vehicles represent advanced technology yet also increase the risk of cyber threats, making effective cybersecurity essential for safety and reliability.
What were the findings in VicOne's 2025 annual report?
The report indicated a spike in automotive-related vulnerabilities, totaling 530 in 2024, as well as significant financial damages from cyberattacks exceeding $22 billion.
How does VicOne support automotive cybersecurity?
VicOne provides a suite of innovative cybersecurity solutions, from managing vulnerabilities to offering monitoring services, tailored specifically for the automotive sector.
What emerging threats does the automotive industry face?
Emerging threats include vulnerabilities from AI manipulation, supply-chain risks, and challenges associated with OTA updates and cloud attacks.
