Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) is set to launch the first of its kind cyber security standard on autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the region.

This marks a great achievement to the journey of excellence of the  Dubai Cyber Security Strategy that was launched under the directions of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, committed to establish standards and policies that support existing strategies and initiatives safeguard Dubai’s cyberspace to be the safest city electronically.

Yousuf Al Shaibanai , director general of Dubai Electronic Security Center said: “Dubai is considered one of the forefront modern examples of evolving and developing cities in the world and it is with great appreciation and aspirations of the wise leadership that has advanced us to utilize disrupting technology such as self-driven cars.”

“The development of the autonomous vehicle's standard draws upon the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy which aims to transform 25 per cent of the total transportation in Dubai to autonomous mode by 2030.

“DESC has worked diligently along with its  government partners to establish the best practices and standards to be adopted to enable and secure these emerging technologies against any challenges, hence with the attainment Autonomous Vehicles  infused with high level of security means that we can smoothly move to an era where human drivers are not needed and where self-driving can fully be trusted to be driven hundreds of miles of trips without disruption,” he added.

Dr Bushra Al Blooshi, DESC research and innovation manager stated: “The initial phase structure of the standard was developed by conducting a full survey scope of the cyber threats and risks facing AVs, and an analysis of the failures/attacks that previously affected Autonomous Vehicles. The Cyber Security Standard for Autonomous Vehicles extensively covers aspects such as the vehicle’s communication security, software security, hardware security and supply chain security.”

The standard will provide requirements and guidelines for the security of AVs, and it will be used by the relevant Dubai Government Departments to aid them in securing AVs. – TradeArabia News Service