Rajiv Mody: Pioneering Automotive Cybersecurity at Sasken Technologies
In an era where vehicles are becoming increasingly reliant on software and connectivity, the importance of cybersecurity in the automotive sector cannot be overstated. Rajiv Mody, the chairperson, managing director, and CEO of Sasken Technologies, is at the forefront of this transformation. Under his leadership, Sasken has made significant strides in automotive cybersecurity, recently partnering with Trustonic to enhance security solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity in Automotive
As vehicles evolve into software-defined entities, the cybersecurity landscape is shifting dramatically. Mody emphasizes that the concerns surrounding cybersecurity have expanded beyond traditional network security to encompass the entire software and hardware ecosystem within vehicles. "Cybersecurity is becoming more and more relevant as automotive transitions into software-defined vehicles," he stated in an interview with Digitimes Asia. This shift necessitates a robust approach to security, particularly as the industry grapples with the vulnerabilities introduced by the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
Strategic Partnership with Trustonic
Sasken’s collaboration with Trustonic is a pivotal element of its strategy to provide comprehensive security solutions to tier-one suppliers and OEMs. Mody explained that this partnership will enable Sasken to offer end-to-end solutions that address the vulnerabilities associated with modern automotive technologies. "OTA is becoming a key feature in automotive, but it introduces new vulnerabilities. This makes cybersecurity solutions even more crucial," he noted.
The integration of Trustonic’s AL 5+ certified execution environment technology aims to set a new industry standard in cybersecurity for embedded systems within vehicles. This collaboration is not just a response to current threats; it is a proactive measure to ensure that automotive brands can navigate the complexities of a connected world safely.
Expanding Global Presence in Automotive Cybersecurity
Sasken’s ambitions in automotive cybersecurity extend far beyond its home base in India. The company is actively expanding its reach into global markets, particularly in the United States, Japan, and Europe, where regulatory frameworks around cybersecurity are becoming increasingly stringent. Mody highlighted the significant interest in cybersecurity from these regions, stating, "These markets are taking the issue of cybersecurity very seriously, and our partnership with Trustonic positions us to meet their needs."
He also underscored the potential risks that automotive brands face if cybersecurity threats are not adequately addressed. A cyberattack that compromises keyless entry systems, for instance, could severely damage a brand’s reputation. "It would be a disastrous outcome, and brands cannot afford such risks," Mody added.
Strengthening Expertise with Sasken Silicon
In addition to its partnership with Trustonic, Sasken’s recent acquisition of Anup Silicon and the formation of a subsidiary, Sasken Silicon, further bolster the company’s capabilities. This acquisition focuses on enhancing Sasken’s expertise in semiconductor design, particularly in analog and digital technologies. Mody pointed out that integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) into semiconductor design is a significant growth area for the company.
"AI/ML will play a critical role, especially in automotive where sensing and power management are crucial for electric vehicles and IoT applications," Mody explained. The acquisition of Anup Silicon brings valuable expertise in analog design and power management, which are increasingly important as the automotive industry evolves.
Investing in R&D and Talent for Future Growth
Sasken’s strategic focus on semiconductors and cybersecurity is underpinned by a strong commitment to research and development (R&D). Mody emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its talent pool to meet industry demands, particularly in the automotive cybersecurity space. "We recently added fresh talent and are working with universities through our Sasken Academy to train engineers in relevant skills starting from their fifth semester," he said.
By collaborating with educational institutions, Sasken aims to ensure that future engineers are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the automotive and semiconductor sectors. Mody acknowledged that talent acquisition is a global challenge, but the company is actively recruiting expertise from countries like Japan and Finland. "We’re looking for global talent to drive innovation in areas like automotive user interfaces and AI/ML integration," he explained.
The Future of Automotive Cybersecurity and Semiconductors
Sasken’s collaboration with Trustonic and the acquisition of Anup Silicon represent just the beginning of its journey into automotive cybersecurity. Mody believes that the future holds vast potential for growth as the automotive industry continues to shift towards more complex, software-driven systems. He is optimistic that semiconductors will play an increasingly critical role, not just in automotive but across various industries.
"Semiconductors are the new oil," Mody stated, referencing the disruptions caused by the semiconductor supply chain crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that Sasken’s focus on semiconductors, combined with AI/ML integration, will enable the company to stay ahead of the curve as the industry evolves.
Looking forward, Sasken plans to continue investing in R&D and expanding its global presence. Mody is confident that the company’s efforts in cybersecurity, semiconductors, and AI/ML will position it as a key player in the global automotive market. "We’re bullish on the opportunities semiconductors bring today, and with the continued integration of software and silicon, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this transformation," he concluded.
Conclusion
As the automotive industry grapples with the challenge of balancing innovation with security, Rajiv Mody’s leadership at Sasken Technologies ensures that the company remains a key player in shaping the future of connected vehicles. With a strong focus on cybersecurity and semiconductor design, Sasken is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, ultimately contributing to safer and more secure driving experiences for all.