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Five Cyber Security Lessons from Tesla


Series Introduction

I have always felt that we have as much to gain from looking at how other industries operate as we do from looking within the bubble of our own. When we look within the bubble it's easy to just follow the same path as everyone else. Even if this means doing it better than the competition it doesn't necessarily mean doing it differently which can be 10x better.

There are many examples of this. One example is the founders of Air B'nB who did not have a hospitality background. So they looked at the industry through a new lens from those already operating in the hospitality bubble.

By 2026/27 it will be increasingly difficult to purchase a non EV and the use case of doing so, impossible to justify financially.

With this in mind I'm writing a series of Lessons from a variety of pursuits, activities or industries for the world of Cyber Security. Of course inevitably there will be many similarities in lesson topics across these however the value is not just in the difference. It is also in how they approach addressing these topics and the challenges they each address.

In the last Episode I covered lessons from the Allies success in world war 2. This episode we look at lessons from a very different perspective. I am convinced that the Electric Vehicle Revolution is under way. And whilst Australia is behind most other economies, recent federal government incentives are creating a surge of adoption. By 2026/27 it will be increasingly difficult to purchase a non EV and the use case of doing so, impossible to justify financially. So with this in mind let's look at Cyber Security lessons from the driving force behind the EV evolution, Tesla. And specifically the Tesla EV business. These lessons are somewhat different from others we have looked at as Tesla is a business that faces Cyber Security Threat like any other.


Five Cyber Security Lessons from Tesla (EV's)


1.Invest in research and development: Tesla's success is largely due to its investment in research and development (R&D) to create cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. By investing in R&D, Tesla was able to develop innovative electric vehicle components, such as its battery technology, which helped it stand out in the traditional automotive industry. Similarly, businesses can invest in cybersecurity R&D to stay ahead of the latest threats and vulnerabilities. This can involve researching and developing new security technologies, as well as investing in employee training to ensure that security is integrated into all aspects of the organisation.


2.Focus on innovation: Tesla's innovation in electric vehicle technology allowed it to disrupt the traditional automotive industry. Similarly, businesses can focus on innovation in cybersecurity to stay ahead of attackers and protect their assets. This can involve developing or adopting new security technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning-based threat detection systems, or implementing new security protocols and processes to better protect against emerging threats.


3. Prioritise security: Tesla places a strong emphasis on security, both in its physical manufacturing processes and in its software development. Businesses should similarly prioritise security by implementing security best practices and ensuring that security is integrated into all aspects of their operations. This can include implementing access controls, performing regular vulnerability assessments, and ensuring that employees are trained to identify and report security incidents.


4. Collaborate with experts: Tesla has collaborated with experts and specialist partners to develop ground breaking technologies and create a competitive edge in the EV industry. Similarly businesses can benefit from collaborating with cybersecurity experts to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in their own systems. This can involve hiring security consultants to perform security assessments, working with cybersecurity vendors to implement security solutions, or collaborating with peer organisations to share threat intelligence and best practices.



5. Supply chain security: Tesla recognises the importance of securing their supply chain to mitigate the risk of compromised components or software. They conduct thorough assessments of suppliers, validate their security practices, and ensure the integrity of the components they use. Businesses can apply similar principles by implementing a robust supply chain security program. This involves conducting due diligence on suppliers, implementing supplier security requirements such as zero trust, and performing regular audits or assessments to ensure the security of the supply chain.


By applying these lessons to the field of cybersecurity, security professionals can better protect their organisations against cyber threats. They can develop more effective security strategies, stay ahead of emerging threats, and improve their overall security posture.


Please provide feedback and if you haven't already please subscribe to this newsletter and share it with a friend. The next lesson for Cyber Security will be from the field of sport, stay tuned!


Mark Williams - Founder - www.quigly.com.au

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