SK on, a electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer based in South Korea, has announced its achievement of the Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) certification from TÜV Rheinland.
This accolade positions SK on as the first Korean battery manufacturer to obtain this esteemed distinction, solidifying its commitment to cybersecurity in the automotive industry.
The CSMS certification recognizes companies that possess robust solutions to monitor potential cyberattacks and effectively detect and respond to cybersecurity threats targeting automotive software and components. It is granted following a comprehensive audit of organizational processes and production management systems.
Having expressed its intention to obtain the CSMS certification aligned with the international automotive cybersecurity standard ISO/SAE 21434, SK on initiated the testing process with TÜV Rheinland, a renowned service provider with over 150 years of experience in testing, inspection, and certification. After a thorough year-long assessment, SK on successfully secured the CSMS certification, positioning itself as a leader in cybersecurity within the battery manufacturing sector.
This significant milestone is expected to propel SK on's global expansion efforts, as compliance with the UNR155 regulation is essential for automotive manufacturers seeking to sell their vehicles in major markets worldwide, including Europe and the United States.
The UNR155 regulation, issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in 2021, mandates automotive cybersecurity standards. As of July 2022, the regulation became mandatory for all new vehicle types, and by July 2024, it will apply to all newly manufactured vehicles. With 56 UNECE-member states encompassing Europe, North America, and Asia, UNR155 is considered a de facto global standard.
As vehicles continue to advance with interconnected features and autonomous driving technologies, the significance of cybersecurity in automotive software and components intensifies. Consequently, global automakers are increasingly demanding CSMS-certified products from their suppliers. SK on has been proactively strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities while simultaneously focusing on enhancing the quality of its battery management systems (BMS). In 2021, the company established cybersecurity policies, dedicated units, and streamlined development processes to advance its cybersecurity solutions.
Moreover, SK on has already earned two additional certifications that guarantee the quality of its BMS. The company holds the A-SPICE CL2 certification, which acknowledges adherence to best practices and processes in automotive software development. Additionally, SK on complies with ISO 26262 FSM (Functional Safety Management), an international standard governing the development of electrical and electronic systems in road vehicles.
Head of SK on System Development Office Lee Ji-Seok said, “SK on once again proved its BMS development capabilities and qualities through the latest certification.” He added, “We now have another powerful weapon to secure orders and expand globally.”
