Kia India's entire vehicle range certified for AIS 189 and AIS 190 standards by ARAI

Kia India has announced that its entire vehicle portfolio has received a Confirmation of Compliance certificate from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under both the AIS 189 and AIS 190 standards. AIS 189 relates to cyber security, while AIS 190 relates to software update management.

In India's automobile sector, vehicle safety is no longer limited to airbags, brakes and crash tests. Cars today increasingly use internet connectivity, digital systems and software updates, which makes cyber security important as well.

The certificates place particular focus on the connected technology, cyber security and software update management of the company's vehicles. AIS 189 relates to the vehicle maker's cyber security management system. It covers processes for assessing potential cyber threats, putting protections in place, continuously monitoring threats and taking appropriate action when a problem arises.

AIS 190 relates to the software update management system (SUMS). In today's cars, some updates can be sent over the internet, that is, over the air (OTA). The system is considered important for planning such updates, testing them and rolling them out safely.

On the benefit to customers, the report says the use of digital features and software in connected cars is growing. It is therefore necessary to keep a vehicle's systems secure and to deliver updates properly. The certificates mean the company's cyber security and software update processes have been cleared for assessment against the relevant standards. This could help build customer trust in the security of connected vehicles.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said that as vehicles become more connected and software-based, it is essential to safeguard customers' digital experience. According to him, the company is focused on keeping cyber security and update management strong across the entire life of the vehicle.

Going forward, Kia India said it will focus on measures such as continuous monitoring of potential threats, raising awareness among employees and internal audits. This could help keep the connected features of its vehicles more secure.

The certificates do not mean that every vehicle is completely safe from cyber attacks. They mean only that the relevant security and update management processes have been assessed against the standards.