Discover the future of AI in cybersecurity through the eyes of David Mor Ofek, Director of Product Management at C2A Security. Read the AITech interview to uncover expert perspectives and strategies shaping the industry.
Kindly brief us about yourself and your role as the Director of Product Management at C2A Security.
I have been working in the automotive sector for almost a decade and in the cybersecurity sector for much longer. I started working with C2A Security about two years ago as their director of product management following my work at HARMAN International, an automotive technology Tier 1 supplier, where I was the chief automotive security architect.
At C2A Security, I oversee the production and development of our cybersecurity offering, which empowers OEMs (car makers) and Tier 1 suppliers to release software products and new features faster to their vehicles, strengthen trust with consumers (car owners), and remain competitive in the market, all while adhering to strict regulations and standards.
What inspired you to pursue a career in cybersecurity and technology, and what are the most exciting developments in the field today?
Ever since I was a child, I found myself interested in the field of cybersecurity. I was breaking into my Spectrum 48k games, trying to figure out what the code is really doing and how can I overcome the protections to change it. When I started working in the field, embedded and cyber security was a natural choice.
From a technology perspective, the most exciting developments in the field today are data analysis and automation. Working with powerful tools that utilize data analysis and automation to deal with the flood of cyber security attacks and also create a business value multiplier for the OEMs utilizing our DevSecOps platform is like a childhood dream come true.
How does C2A Security incorporate AI into its products and services, and what benefits does this provide to your customers?
C2A Security uses AI in several aspects of our product portfolio. One example is the ability to analyze network files and network recordings as well as to generate relevant Intrusion Detection System (IDS) rules. Another example is EVSec as a DevSecOps tool that is integrated into many DevOps systems with the ability to organize information to improve security work such as automatic threat analysis.
Being a thought leader, how do you strategize to bring to light C2A Security’s mission and vision?
In security, you often highlight the vulnerability of connected systems, especially in the software-driven vehicle. However, there’s more to automotive cybersecurity that ‘just’ vulnerabilities. With the rollout of new regulations requiring OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to integrate cybersecurity throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle, my goal as head of product management is to partner with our OEM and Tier 1 customers in their long-term journey. For some the focus will be on ‘leading with security’ and strengthening their expertise, for others building that regulatory knowhow, or establishing consumers’ trust in their course towards electrification. It’s an exciting period to be working in the automotive industry, no doubt!
How according to you, will the integration of automation bring car manufacturers comprehensive, efficient, and compliant vehicle security solutions?
Automation is the only way IMO to bring car manufacturers comprehensive, efficient, and compliant vehicle security solutions. If we zoom-out and take the general cybersecurity industry, the field has been plagued with a shortage of experts – in the US alone there are 3.4 million unfilled cybersecurity positions. As our vehicles become increasingly connected, with more software being ‘pured into’ our cars, and the booming of electrification expands the ‘attack surface’ to the power grid – the talent gap is only getting wider. This is why it’s critical to leverage automation in the automotive industry, much like in other industries – from Finance, to Aviation, and Medical.
How important is it to leverage the power of AI in order to boost business performance?
AI is a powerful tool, and it is the future of technology, businesses that are not using it or not planning to use it will simply be left behind. We’re seeing the booming of generative AI tools, from code analysis, to academia, marketing, and most recently even music – so it’s definitely an exciting domain to explore. But, at the same time, taken with a grain of salt, conducting a thorough analysis of its impact to your business.
Please brief our audience about the emerging trends of the new generation and how you plan to fulfill the dynamic needs of the AI-ML infrastructure.
The most interesting trend is generative AI, one that can produce real and valuable content. This is really amazing what we see in the last year in this field and I expect that these tools will play major roles in near-future technology.
What would be your valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs and industry professionals?
Security is always ‘on the move’ – you cannot be constant, thinking ‘I’ve protected everything there is to protect.’ As a product leader, I think about the ‘what if’ possibilities, and the risk these scenarios impose to our customers. Whether these risks are coming from generative AI tools, black-hat hackers, or car thieves – we need to be prepared for new sophisticated attacks.
How do you plan to scale up C2A Security’s growth curve in 2023 and beyond?
Our outlook for the year is very promising, and personally I’m super excited about it! Naturally I cannot comment on which car makers we’re engaged with, but suffice to look at our track record in the 1st quarter of 2023 to get a glimpse of what’s in store. We were also recognized as the Automotive Cybersecurity Breakthrough Technology of the Year at an industry event in Detroit.
David Mor Ofek
Director of Product Management at C2A Security
David Mor Ofek is the Director of Product at C2A Security, the only DevSecOps Platform for car makers and mobility companies. David has an extensive background in software engineering, which has helped him develop cutting-edge solutions that ensure the security of connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles. Prior to C2A Security, David worked as a Chief Automotive Security Architect for HARMAN International and as an engineer at Cisco for over 10 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and is recognized as a thought leader in automotive cybersecurity.
