Cyber security in the automotive industry: challenges and barriers

<p dir="ltr">The automotive industry is experiencing a profound transformation through the integration of digital technologies, redefining mobility with connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). While these advancements offer significant opportunities, they also introduce complex cyber security vulnerabilities, threatening safety, privacy, and operational integrity. This thesis addresses three critical areas within automotive cyber security: the state of academic research, the challenges of cyber security maintenance, and the intersection of cyber security with sustainability.</p><p dir="ltr">First, a systematic literature review (SLR) employing bibliometric analysis that evaluates 537 academic papers to map key research trends and gaps. The analysis identifies four principal research clusters-Automotive Security, Vehicle Engineering, Smart Vehicles, and IT Security-and reveal critical shortcomings in areas such as supply chain security and standardisation. The findings underscore the importance of a lifecycle-focused, multi-dimensional approach to managing cyber security risks in modern vehicles.</p><p dir="ltr">Second, this research investigates the practical challenges of maintaining cyber security throughout a vehicle's lifecycle. Post-sale security, often neglected by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) beyond warranty periods, exposes vehicles to evolving threats. Using the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) as a framework, this study identifies barriers to effective cyber security maintenance and offers solutions, including secure over-the-air (OTA) updates, enhanced supply chain coordination, and long-term vulnerability management.</p><p dir="ltr">Third, the relationship between cyber security and sustainability is also explored, focusing on the integration of circular economy (CE) principles in the automotive sector. Practices such as remanufacturing, recycling, and IoT-enabled operations create new vulnerabilities, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) connected to smart grid infrastructures. This thesis addresses these challenges by proposing strategies to align cyber security with sustainability goals through secure design, regulatory compliance, and sustainable supply chain practices.</p><p dir="ltr">By tackling these interrelated dimensions, this thesis provides a comprehensive framework to strengthen security resilience, support environmental responsibility, and advance the development of connected and autonomous vehicles. The findings offer actionable insights for automakers, policymakers, and regulators, contributing to a secure and sustainable future for the automotive industry in an increasingly digital era</p>