PlaxidityX and Marquardt Forge Partnership to Enhance Automotive Cybersecurity Efforts
PlaxidityX and Marquardt Join Forces to Strengthen Automotive Cybersecurity
In a significant development for the automotive industry, PlaxidityX, a prominent name in automotive cybersecurity, has teamed up with Marquardt, a leading manufacturer of mechatronics systems. This strategic partnership aims to enhance Marquardt's cybersecurity capabilities, focusing on vulnerability management and ensuring compliance with emerging standards.
As vehicles become increasingly interconnected and software-driven, the prevalence of software vulnerabilities in automotive-related technologies has surged. In response, global regulations like ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155 require automotive manufacturers, known as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to continuously monitor, detect, and address these vulnerabilities in their vehicle software. This complexity is compounded by the fact that many components originate from Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers.
To mitigate cyber risks and adhere to regulatory requirements, OEMs are now expecting suppliers to guarantee that their Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are secure and devoid of software and hardware vulnerabilities. A study by PlaxidityX reveals that an average of 33.6% of software development is outsourced by OEMs, yet a staggering 83% of them express dissatisfaction with the tools available for monitoring cybersecurity quality throughout their supply chain.
Oliver Huppenbauer, Global Cybersecurity Manager at Marquardt, commented, "To meet compliance requirements in the competitive German market and beyond, we are dedicated to leading the charge in automotive cybersecurity. We see cybersecurity not only as a compliance necessity but also as a significant differentiator in our market offerings. Our collaboration with PlaxidityX enhances our existing 'Digital Shield' cybersecurity service, aligning with our ambition to lead in secure software and electronics development."
The distinctive focus and expertise of PlaxidityX in automotive cybersecurity played a pivotal role in Marquardt's decision to partner with them. PlaxidityX’s extensive knowledge of vehicle architectures, protocols, and its significant experience in cyber research—backed by deployments with leading OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers—sets the company apart from other competitors in the field.
At the heart of this partnership lies the PlaxidityX SW Supply Chain Security product, which is now integrated as a fundamental element in Marquardt's software development framework. Utilizing a DevSecOps approach, this innovative product facilitates early-stage integration of vulnerability detection and management during product development, offering a proactive stance toward vulnerability issues. The result is a more efficient and cost-effective development process, where vulnerabilities can be promptly addressed.
The SW Supply Chain Security tool enables Marquardt to continuously oversee vehicle assets, swiftly identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities according to their severity. This automated solution streamlines the response process, ensuring that potential threats to the ECUs are dealt with efficiently. Furthermore, the automatic extraction of AUTOSAR Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) provides Marquardt with comprehensive visibility into the software composition of its AUTOSAR ECUs, accounting for components sourced from downstream suppliers, thereby enhancing transparency and security.
Zeev Farkash, Vice President of Sales at PlaxidityX, expressed pride in being selected as Marquardt's trusted partner for cybersecurity solutions. He stated, "Our product vision and roadmap are intricately aligned with Marquardt's long-term cybersecurity strategy, bolstering their offerings as they push the boundaries of technological advancements in the automotive sector."
About Marquardt
Founded in 1925 and situated in Rietheim-Weilheim, Germany, Marquardt is a family-owned enterprise recognized as a global leader in electromechanical and electronic switches and systems. The company provides a variety of products used by major players in the automotive industry, including vehicle access systems and battery management systems, along with applications in household appliances and power tools. Employing approximately 10,000 staff worldwide, Marquardt generates nearly 1.4 billion euros in annual revenue, investing around 10% in research and development.
About PlaxidityX
PlaxidityX, previously known as Argus Cyber Security Ltd., is a global frontrunner in mobility cybersecurity, specializing in DevSecOps, vehicle protection, and fleet security technologies. Their solutions are designed to ensure the integrity and compliance of vehicle components throughout their life cycle. With over 70 patents granted or pending, PlaxidityX’s innovative methodologies stem from decades of concentrated research in cybersecurity and the automotive sector. Established in 2014 and based in Israel, the company's reach extends across several global locations, including the U.S., Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Poland, and India.