DevSecOps in High Gear: Key Insights for Automotive Developers in 2024
As the automotive industry rapidly evolves, the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) brings new challenges, particularly in cyber security. To help automotive manufacturers and suppliers navigate this landscape, PlaxidityX has released its annual 2024 DevSecOps Automotive Report, providing a comprehensive view of the current state of DevSecOps adoption across the industry.
What is DevSecOps?
DevSecOps integrates security seamlessly throughout the software development lifecycle, addressing potential vulnerabilities earlier in the process. This approach is critical for OEMs and suppliers as they shift from hardware-centric production to software-first development.
In the report, PlaxidityX surveyed hundreds of professionals across development, engineering, security, DevOps, and QA roles from major automotive manufacturers and suppliers across North America, Europe, and Asia. The data reveals how companies are adopting DevSecOps, the key challenges they face, and the benefits they experience.
Key Findings from the Report
- Complex Security Burden: With 63% of respondents spending at least 20% of their time on security tasks, it’s clear that managing product security has become an increasingly complex burden for development teams. This challenge is worsened by the need for multiple security tools, with 55% of respondents using between 7-10 different tools.
- Tool Effectiveness Concerns: While security teams are satisfied with their tools, only 20% of R&D and engineering teams rate their tools as effective. This disconnect highlights the difficulties of balancing security with innovation and speed.
- OEMs vs. Suppliers: OEMs primarily see DevSecOps as a way to improve product quality, while suppliers prioritize enhanced customer confidence. Cost reduction ranks low on the list of benefits, signaling a shift in the industry’s understanding of DevSecOps as more than just an efficiency booster—it’s integral to product success and trust.
The Importance of DevSecOps in SDV Development
As software takes center stage in vehicle development, automakers and suppliers are under pressure to ensure that their software-defined vehicles are secure and compliant with evolving regulations. DevSecOps offers the ideal framework to tackle these challenges head-on, allowing automotive companies to integrate security into every stage of development without hindering innovation.
“Our research report highlights the transformation happening in the automotive sector. Companies are recognizing that DevSecOps is not just about reducing costs but about delivering high-quality, secure products that inspire customer confidence.”
Ran Ish-Shalom, VP Strategy and Product at PlaxidityX
Accelerating DevSecOps Adoption
The report shows that while many automotive manufacturers are making strides in DevSecOps, there is still a long way to go. OEMs and suppliers are increasingly aware of the benefits, but resource constraints, tool complexity, and lack of effective integration continue to pose significant challenges.
By adopting DevSecOps practices, automotive companies can better safeguard their products, shorten development cycles, and reduce overall risks—all while staying competitive in a software-driven industry.
