Item definition
Template
(acc. to ISO/SAE 21434)
Item definition Template (acc. to ISO/SAE 21434:2021)
[Customizable Word/Excel file]
Overview
Information about this template
Template
Checklist
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Item Definition Template
The Word template file is designed to facilitate the complete processing of the Item definition according to a predefined structure. The template file is an open working document that can be filled individually according to the associated instructions. All essential information can be entered along predefined sections, as provided for by the work product in the proper formulation.
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Format: Word
Item Definition Checklist
Within the Excel file you will also find brief instructions with explanations of how to work with the checklist and the associated working methods in your organization-specific context.
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Format: Excel
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Benefits
Benefits of using our Word/Excel template as an ISO/SAE 21434 template for your project
Using this Cybersecurity Plan template offers you the following benefits
- Ensuring conformity with the requirements of ISO/SAE 21434
- Support for the consideration of cybersecurity requirements
- Utilization of best-practice know-how from the real vehicle development project business
- Simplification of documentation and associated preparation processes
- More efficient working methods in proper and correct preparation
- Promoting cooperation between different disciplines and, if necessary, across organizations between suppliers and OEMs
Additional INFO
Supplementary information on Item definition along the ISO/SAE 21434
According to ISO/SAE 21434, an "item" is defined as a component or a group of components that implement a function at vehicle level. This deliberately broad definition is intended to ensure that both OEMs and suppliers, regardless of their position in the supply chain, properly ensure the inclusion of cybersecurity requirements in their products with regard to E/E systems.
Purpose of the Item definition
Content of the Item Definition
Connection to the development project
Purpose of the Item definition
The work product of the Item definition, as the starting point of the concept phase within the cybersecurity development, aims to achieve this:
- Establish a clear understanding of product relevance for cybersecurity
- To serve as a reference point for all subsequent cybersecurity activities, including the Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment Method (TARA) and the development of the cybersecurity concept (cybersecurity goals, cybersecurity claims)
- The involvement of various functions and disciplines should be promoted in order to ensure a holistic view of a product's cybersecurity landscape
Content of the Item Definition
The initial Item definition should include at least the following:
- Preliminary system architecture
- Expected system functionalities
- Description of dependencies and interactions with the operating environment
- Interfaces to other items in the context of cybersecurity
- Assumptions about the operating environment and potential cybersecurity impacts
Connection to the development project
The processing of the Item definition should be closely linked to the responsible functions and processes of the development project, as it forms the basis for all cybersecurity considerations and measures. It starts with existing information about the project and evolves as more information becomes available.
Requirements/framework conditions for a successful item definition
Before the Item definition is created, a preliminary system architecture and the expected functionalities of the product should already be defined. Close collaboration between the system engineering, software, hardware and functional safety disciplines is also beneficial from the outset. When dealing with the Item definition for the first time, you often come across an incomplete project landscape or one that is still under development. Information may be incomplete or assumptions not yet fully defined. During the development of the Item definition, information is systematically collected and documented. This includes the identification of system boundaries, interfaces, dependencies and potential security risks.
Who is the template Item Definition for?
Our template Item definition is aimed at a broad spectrum of professionals in the automotive and vehicle development industry, both on the OEM and supplier side, as well as experts involved (service providers, consultancies, freelancers, etc.). In view of the interdisciplinary challenges and the need for comprehensive cooperation, the target group includes in particular those involved in working practice in the following domains:
Functional safety specialists
Experts who analyze safety risks and develop risk reduction measures.
Experts who analyze safety risks and develop risk reduction measures.
Project managers and Project leaders
people responsible for overseeing products/development projects, including compliance with standards and coordination between different teams.
Software developers and Software architects
Those who design and implement the expected functionalities of the product.
Those who design and implement the expected functionalities of the product.
Hardware engineers
Specialists who are involved in the development of the physical components of the system and ensure their integration into the overall system.
Quality managers
Professionals who ensure that the development results meet the defined quality standards and safety requirements.
Professionals who ensure that the development results meet the defined quality standards and safety requirements.
Systems engineers/system Architects
Specialists responsible for the preliminary system architecture and the definition of system boundaries.
Cybersecurity specialists
Professionals who deal with the identification of potential security threats and the development of appropriate protective measures.
Professionals who deal with the identification of potential security threats and the development of appropriate protective measures.
Cybersecurity and functional security consultants
External experts who support companies in the implementation of security standards and practices.
In addition, the template is also relevant for cooperation between business partners at all levels who supply components and systems that are integrated into larger vehicle systems. Technical managers and development engineers in particular play a key role here, as they are directly involved in defining and implementing the technical specifications. These different target groups benefit from the structured and standard-compliant approach (along ISO/SAE 21434:2021) that the template offers by helping to reduce the complexity of Item definition and ensure consistent documentation throughout the development process.
The Word/Excel template thus serves as a valuable tool to effectively overcome the challenges of incomplete information, changing project requirements and capturing all relevant safety aspects.
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From the virtual classroom to the industry: Participant quotes on their learning experience
"The ACP training is the ideal way to get a quick introduction to the topic of cybersecurity at the vehicle level. Highly varied didactic materials set the ground for an informative and entertaining training."
"Prepared very well, and the trainers provided a number of relevant examples based on their professional experience. If Automotive security is within your scope, I strongly recommend this training."
"The training gave an extensive overview about Automotive Cybersecurity taking into account the entire Product Lifecycle. Finally, it is a solid basis to continue with the learning path up to the Automotive Cybersecurity Professional Expert Level."
"The ACP Level 1 Training by CYEQT Knowledge Base was very informative and well-structured, covering the essentials of the ISO/SAE 21434 standard. The course was engaging and interactive, including questionnaires between the chapters. The overall experience was amazing."
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The training courses and video learning content offered by the CYEQT Knowledge Base are a truly unique learning resource, not only because of the breadth and depth of the learning material, but also because of the high level of practical relevance.
The nearly one hundred experts who have been involved in creating our content to date all have many years of experience in applied automotive cybersecurity (in accordance with UN Regulation No. 155, ISO/SAE 21434 and beyond) at OEMs and Tier N suppliers.
The nearly one hundred experts who have been involved in creating our content to date all have many years of experience in applied automotive cybersecurity (in accordance with UN Regulation No. 155, ISO/SAE 21434 and beyond) at OEMs and Tier N suppliers.
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All you need to know about our
ISO/SAE 21434 Templates
1. Who is the template for the Cybersecurity Plan intended for?
The template Item definition is designed for a wide range of professionals in the automotive and vehicle development industry, including systems engineers, software developers, hardware engineers, functional safety professionals, cybersecurity specialists, project managers, quality managers, and cybersecurity and functional safety consultants.
2. What does the template contain?
The template includes predefined sections for all essential information that must be recorded as part of the Item definition, including system architecture, expected functionalities, dependencies, interfaces, assumptions about the operating environment and potential security risks.
The scope of delivery includes:
(1) an open Word file (as an open Word template file with branding of CYRES Consulting)
(2) and a supplementary checklist (as an open Excel template file with branding of CYRES Consulting).
3. How does the template help with ISO/SAE 21434 compliance?
The template is specifically designed to meet the requirements of ISO/SAE 21434. It provides a structured approach to documenting the Item definition, facilitates the identification and documentation of security risks and supports the systematic collection and management of information relevant to cybersecurity engineering.
4. Can the template be adapted to specific project requirements?
Yes, the template is designed to be flexible and can be adapted to the specific requirements of your project. It serves as a starting point that can be expanded and modified as required to reflect the uniqueness of each development project.
5. How does the template support interdisciplinary collaboration?
The template promotes collaboration between different disciplines by providing a common framework for documentation and the exchange of information. It facilitates communication between system engineers, software and hardware teams and security experts and helps all parties involved to develop a common understanding of the product's cybersecurity requirements.
6. What happens if my project has very specific or unique requirements?
The template is designed as a general and flexible tool that can be adapted to a wide range of project requirements. If you encounter specific challenges that are not directly addressed in the template, we recommend that you complete the extensions and adaptations yourself based on the given structures or contact our experts to discuss customized solutions or adaptations.
7. Are supplementary training courses or introductions to the Cybersecurity Plan available?
Around the entire topic area of cybersecurity development along ISO/SAE 21434, you will find introductions and training materials to help you get started with the template and ensure you realize its full potential on the CYRES Academy online training platform (e.g. Item definition - Video course).These resources are designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of the structure and purpose of the various work products around ISO/SAE 21434. For individual training needs or consulting support with the template, please contact us.
8. How is support provided after purchasing the template?
Please note that the purchase of the item definition template as a stand-alone digital product does not entitle you to support for the actual work and implementation of the work product. After purchasing the template, you will automatically receive the purchased files digitally. Possible questions regarding technical support or questions regarding the application and customization of the template as well as the solution of specific challenges that may arise during use are not part of the scope of delivery. However, our aim is to ensure that you can use the template effectively for your project requirements by including extensive explanations on how to handle the documents.
9. How is the template updated to keep pace with new developments?
Please note that you will receive this template as a digital product at the time of purchase; regular updates are not part of the purchase contract. Currently (2024), the present template complies with the latest requirements and best practices of ISO/SAE 21434:2021 (the "First Edition", published in 2021) and is based on real project work in the vehicle development context.
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