Guardians of the Grid

Tata Motors has transformed its cybersecurity strategy to match the increasing complexity of connected vehicles and digital manufacturing. Security is now being woven into the organizational DNA, into every layer of the vehicles (design, supply chain, operation and interoperability), cloud platforms, regulations, etc. The company is now seeking cyber resilience as a business obligation rather than a regulatory cost of compliance.

- By Aanchal Ghatak

Rajiv Pandey, Vice President of Technology at Tata Motors, is clear about one thing: cybersecurity is now foundational to the company's innovation agenda. With more intelligent and connected vehicles, Tata Motors has gone far beyond IT protection to adopt an end-to-end security approach at every stage in the lifecycle.

From AI-led threat detection and Zero Trust architecture to global compliance and supply chain monitoring, Tata Motors is putting digital trust into layers throughout the company; not simply as security, but as a continued weight for strategic growth.

How has your cybersecurity strategy evolved in recent years, especially with the increasing digitisation and connectivity of modern vehicles?

Our cybersecurity strategy has significantly evolved to address the growing complexity of modern, connected vehicles. We've transitioned from conventional perimeter defences to a comprehensive, layered approach that incorporates secure vehicle platforms, Zero Trust principles, and AI-driven risk mitigation.

Our cybersecurity is now embedded across the vehicle lifecycle –from design to decommissioning– ensuring encrypted communications, secure over-the-air (OTA) updates, and real-time threat detection. We've reinforced governance through board-level oversight and adhere strictly to global standards such as ISO 27001 and India’s DPDP Act.

In addition, we regularly conduct resilience drills and foster collaboration across the Tata ecosystem to proactively address emerging threats. Today, cybersecurity is no longer just a safeguard; it is a strategic pillar that empowers trust, safety, and continuous innovation.

Connected vehicles process vast amounts of data—how are you ensuring customer data privacy and integrity across your digital ecosystem?