Introduction to Automotive Cybersecurity and Vehicle Safety

Modern vehicles are no longer just mechanical machines; they are complex, connected computers on wheels, making them prime targets for digital threats. This text-based course guides you through the foundational concepts of securing automotive systems from potential cyberattacks. You will transition from having a basic understanding of cars to grasping how modern vehicle architectures, communication protocols, and security standards work together to keep passengers safe. Through this comprehensive guide, you will: Understand the foundational architecture of connected and autonomous vehicles; Analyze common vulnerabilities in in-vehicle networks like the CAN bus; Apply Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA) methodologies to vehicle systems; Explore modern automotive cybersecurity standards, including ISO/SAE 21434; Identify security measures for Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and secure boot processes; Practice evaluating vehicle attack surfaces through guided written scenarios. The course begins with core terminology and architectural basics before moving into protocol security, threat modeling, and modern industry compliance standards. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring automotive engineers, and IT security professionals looking to transition into the automotive domain, with no prior hardware experience required. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in protecting the next generation of transportation.