How ISO/SAE 21434 & UNECE R155 Are Shaping the Future of Vehicle Diagnostics
- Khadija
- Nov 15
- 2 min read
The automotive world is changing faster than ever. Cars are now software-defined machines, loaded with ECUs, data networks, sensors, and wireless connectivity. With this evolution comes a new and urgent priority: cybersecurity.
Cyber-attacks on vehicles aren’t hypothetical anymore — they’re a real risk. Because diagnostic tools interact deeply with a car’s internal systems, ensuring their cybersecurity has become essential. This is where ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155 enter the picture.
In this article, we break down how these two major cybersecurity frameworks are reshaping the vehicle diagnostics ecosystem, and why manufacturers like CHEPQ stand out in this new environment.
What Is ISO/SAE 21434?
ISO/SAE 21434 is the global cybersecurity standard that defines how automotive companies must manage risks throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. It covers:
Cybersecurity risk assessment
Threat modeling
Secure product design & development
Software updates
Incident response
Supply-chain security
For diagnostic tools, this means ensuring that:
Firmware is secure
Data is encrypted
Communication between the OBD2 tool and the vehicle is protected
Vulnerabilities are tracked and mitigated
What Is UNECE R155?
UNECE R155 is a regulatory requirement (mandatory in many regions, including Europe and parts of Asia). It forces vehicle manufacturers to implement a Cybersecurity Management
System (CSMS).
Key areas include:
Protecting vehicle networks from attacks
Securing wireless communication
Safe OTA software updates
Preventing unauthorized access to ECUs
Because diagnostic devices interact with vehicle systems, they must comply with the requirements that OEMs follow to remain R155-certified.
How These Standards Affect Diagnostic Tools
Vehicle diagnostics is no longer just “plug and read.” Connected diagnostics involve:
Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 tools
Cloud dashboards
OTA firmware updates
Real-time data streaming
This connectivity exposes tools to cybersecurity threats like:
Fake ECUs
Man-in-the-middle attacks
Unauthorized firmware installation
Data theft
ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155 ensure such risks are handled proactively.
Why Workshops and OEMs Need Compliant Tools
Modern workshops rely on diagnostics for:
Fault detection
Performance monitoring
Sensor testing
ECU communication
If the tool isn’t secure, the entire vehicle is at risk. OEMs and service centers now demand:
Trusted suppliers
Verified firmware integrity
Encrypted data communication
Secure Bluetooth modules
Protected cloud storage
CHEPQ adheres to these requirements by building tools with secure architecture, encrypted communications, and compliance-ready firmware.
How CHEPQ Aligns with the New Cybersecurity Era
CHEPQ's diagnostic ecosystem is built with modern cybersecurity expectations, including:
✔ Secure Firmware Architecture
Designed to prevent unauthorized modification.
✔ Encrypted OBD2 Communications
Protects all live data, DTC logs, and sensor readings.
✔ OTA Updates With Secure Boot
Ensures firmware updates are safe and authenticated.
✔ Hardware-Level Cyber Protection
Including protection against tampering and cloning.
✔ Cloud-Based Risk Monitoring
For fleets, OEMs, and workshop environments.
Challenges & Best Practices
Adopting cybersecurity frameworks can be challenging. Key best practices include:
Conducting regular vulnerability scans
Documenting cybersecurity processes
Ensuring secure supply-chain components
Training technicians on safe tool usage
Monitoring firmware integrity
For diagnostic manufacturers like CHEPQ, these practices are now part of standard operations.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s an essential part of automotive diagnostics. Standards like ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155 ensure the entire ecosystem is protected from modern threats.
Choosing a cybersecurity-compliant diagnostic partner like CHEPQ is the best way to future-proof your workshop or fleet.
