Tolulope MichaelCybersecurity vs Functional Safety: Everything You Need to Know
In modern industries, particularly in automotive and industrial automation, ensuring functional safety and cybersecurity are no longer separate concerns. With increasing reliance on software-defined systems, companies must safeguard operations not only from technical malfunctions but also from cyber threats that could exploit vulnerabilities.
The functional safety process, governed by functional safety standards such as ISO 26262, ensures that systems operate correctly in response to failures or faults. Meanwhile, cybersecurity; defined by frameworks like ISO 21434; focuses on protecting systems from malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
As industries transition toward more connected, autonomous systems, the intersection of Functional Safety and Cybersecurity becomes critical.
This article examines cybersecurity vs functional safety, their differences, overlaps, and the growing need for an integrated approach to safety and security.
Cybersecurity vs Functional Safety vs Technical Safety: Comparison Table
| Aspect | Functional Safety | Cybersecurity | Technical Safety |
| Main Focus | Preventing hazards due to system malfunctions or failures. | Preventing security breaches that could compromise system integrity. | Ensuring that all components and processes are designed safely. |
| Cause of Risk | Unintentional failures (e.g., hardware faults, software bugs, power failures). | Intentional threats (e.g., hacking, malware, cyberattacks). | Any safety risks, including mechanical, electrical, and software failures. |
| Standards & Frameworks | ISO 26262 (Automotive), IEC 61508 (Industrial), ISO 21448 (SOTIF). | ISO 21434 (Automotive Cybersecurity), NIST Cybersecurity Framework, IEC 62443 (Industrial Cybersecurity). | ISO 26262, ISO 21448, general industry safety regulations. |
| Example in Automotive | Ensuring brakes still function even if a sensor fails. | Preventing hackers from disabling the brakes remotely. | Includes crash safety, airbag reliability, and fuel system integrity. |
| Example in Industrial Systems | Emergency stop system that activates if a robotic arm malfunctions. | Preventing a cyberattack that could disable an industrial control system. | Includes fire protection, pressure control, and mechanical failure prevention. |
| Risk Assessment Method | HARA (Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment) – Identifies risks from failures. | TARA (Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment) – Identifies risks from cyber threats. | Broader safety assessments covering all risk factors, including functional and operational safety. |
| Lifespan Considerations | Typically static; validated before deployment and remains unchanged unless an update is required. | Requires continuous updates and real-time monitoring to counter new threats. | Includes long-term safety design, considering wear and tear, environmental factors, and aging components. |
| Career Opportunities | Functional Safety Engineer, Automotive Safety Analyst, Risk Manager. | Cybersecurity Analyst, OT Security Engineer, Ethical Hacker. | Safety Compliance Engineer, Technical Safety Manager, Process Safety Engineer. |
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What is Functional Safety?
Functional safety is a critical aspect of system design that ensures equipment, processes, and systems operate correctly in response to potential failures. It is particularly vital in industries where malfunctions could lead to serious hazards, such as automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, and medical devices.
At the core of functional safety standards is ISO 26262, which applies specifically to road vehicles. This standard defines risk-based methodologies to identify and mitigate hazards caused by system malfunctions, ensuring that vehicles operate safely under all conditions.
The Functional Safety Process
The functional safety process follows a structured lifecycle approach, typically including:
- Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA) – Identifying potential risks and classifying them based on severity.
- Safety Goals and Requirements Definition – Establishing Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs) and implementing fail-safe mechanisms.
- Design and Implementation – Applying redundancy, error detection, and fault-tolerant architectures to prevent failures.
- Verification and Validation – Testing and assessing systems to ensure they comply with functional safety standards before deployment.
Functional Safety Examples
Examples of functional safety applications include:
- Automotive: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Airbag Deployment Systems.
- Industrial Automation: Emergency Stop Systems in robotic assembly lines.
- Medical Devices: Automated insulin pumps with fail-safe mechanisms.
Functional Safety Jobs and Career Paths
As industries integrate functional safety into their operations, there is a growing demand for specialists with expertise in ISO 26262 and safety-critical system design. Functional safety jobs include:
- Functional Safety Engineer
- Automotive Safety Analyst
- Process Safety Manager
- Embedded Systems Safety Specialist
Many professionals enhance their expertise through a functional safety course, which provides in-depth training on ISO 26262, risk assessment methodologies, and system validation techniques.
READ MORE: Cybersecurity vs Embedded Systems: Salaries, Key Differences
What is Cybersecurity in Industrial and Automotive Systems?
While functional safety ensures that systems remain reliable in the event of malfunctions, cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and data breaches.
As industries become more digitized, interconnected, and reliant on networked systems, cybersecurity threats have become a major concern; especially in automotive, manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors.
The Role of ISO 21434 in Cybersecurity
The ISO 21434 standard was introduced to establish a structured approach to cybersecurity engineering for road vehicles. Just as ISO 26262 governs functional safety, ISO 21434 provides a framework for assessing, managing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks throughout the lifecycle of a vehicle or system.
Key components of ISO 21434 include:
- Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA) – Identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities and assessing potential threats.
- Secure Software Development – Implementing encryption, authentication, and access control to prevent unauthorized modifications.
- Incident Response and Monitoring – Continuously assessing cybersecurity risks and deploying security patches and updates.
Why Cybersecurity is Crucial in Modern Systems
Industries that rely on software-defined systems face unique cybersecurity challenges. Unlike traditional hardware-based safety measures, modern vehicles and industrial systems are increasingly connected to cloud platforms, IoT networks, and remote management systems, making them vulnerable to cyber threats.
For example, in automotive cybersecurity, hackers have demonstrated the ability to:
- Remotely disable brakes or steering in connected cars.
- Tamper with software updates to introduce malware into vehicle control systems.
- Exploit vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communication to disrupt traffic control.
Cyber Security Certification for Functional Safety
As industries work to integrate Functional Safety and Cybersecurity, professionals are now seeking cyber security certification for functional safety to bridge the knowledge gap between the two fields. This certification helps professionals:
- Understand how cybersecurity threats impact functional safety.
- Implement secure software practices within safety-critical systems.
- Align system development with ISO 21434 and ISO 26262 standards.
SEE ALSO: Fail Open Vs Fail Close Cybersecurity: A Complete Analysis
The Key Differences Between Functional Safety and Cybersecurity
While functional safety and cybersecurity both aim to protect systems, they do so in fundamentally different ways. Understanding these differences is crucial for industries that must integrate both into their risk management strategies.
1. Intent vs Malfunction
- Functional safety protects against hazards caused by system malfunctions or failures. The goal is to ensure that if a system component fails, it does so in a way that does not endanger human life or assets.
- Cybersecurity, on the other hand, protects against intentional threats, such as hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. The focus is on preventing and mitigating external attacks that could compromise system integrity.
Example:
A braking system in a vehicle:
- A functional safety failure might mean the brakes do not engage due to a sensor malfunction.
- A cybersecurity attack could involve remotely disabling the brakes by hacking into the vehicle’s control system.
2. Risk Assessment Approach: HARA vs TARA
Both fields use risk assessment methodologies, but they approach risk from different perspectives:
- Functional Safety Risk Assessment (HARA – Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment, ISO 26262): Focuses on identifying and mitigating hazards that arise from system failures.
- Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (TARA – Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment, ISO 21434): Focuses on identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Example:
In automotive systems, HARA might assess the risk of sensor failures in an autonomous vehicle, while TARA would evaluate the likelihood of a hacker exploiting vehicle connectivity to manipulate controls.
3. System Lifespan Considerations
- Functional safety measures are often static, meaning they are designed once and validated before deployment. Once a system meets ISO 26262 compliance, it remains largely unchanged unless a hardware or software update is necessary.
- Cybersecurity, however, requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation. New cyber threats emerge constantly, requiring continuous software updates, threat detection, and vulnerability assessments.
Example:
A safety-certified vehicle braking system may not change for years unless a design flaw is found. However, if a cybersecurity vulnerability is detected in a connected vehicle’s software, a security patch may be needed immediately.
MORE: Will Cybersecurity Be in Demand in 2030?
How Functional Safety and Cybersecurity Overlap
Despite their differences, Functional Safety and Cybersecurity share common goals: protecting human life, assets, and system integrity.
As industrial and automotive systems become more interconnected, ensuring safety without cybersecurity is no longer possible. A cybersecurity breach can directly compromise functional safety mechanisms, leading to hazardous failures.
1. You Can’t Have Safety Without Security
Functional safety systems are designed to handle random hardware failures, but they are not inherently resistant to intentional cyber threats. If an attacker exploits software vulnerabilities, they can manipulate critical safety functions.
Example:
- The TRITON malware attack targeted Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in an industrial plant, attempting to disable emergency shutdown functions.
- Fortunately, the safety system responded correctly, but this incident proved that safety mechanisms can be manipulated if security measures are weak.
2. Co-Engineering Strategies: Integrating Cybersecurity into Functional Safety
To ensure a holistic approach, industries are now co-engineering cybersecurity and functional safety by:
- Embedding security features in safety-critical software to prevent unauthorized modifications.
- Implementing secure communication protocols to protect data exchanges between safety systems.
- Requiring multi-factor authentication and access control for safety-critical system settings.
Example:
In automotive safety, ISO 26262 ensures that electronic control units (ECUs) function safely, while ISO 21434 adds cybersecurity protections to prevent remote hacking of vehicle control systems.
3. System Integrity: A Shared Priority
Both functional safety and cybersecurity rely on system integrity to prevent failures and attacks. Key mechanisms include:
- Authentication – Verifying that only authorized users can access safety-critical controls.
- Data Integrity Checks – Ensuring that software updates and configurations are not altered or corrupted.
- Fail-Safe Mechanisms – Designing systems that default to a safe state in case of security breaches.
Example:
A functional safety-certified braking system must be designed to fail safely if sensors stop working. If a cybersecurity attack disables the braking software, the system must still ensure safe operation by activating emergency protocols.
As industries recognize these overlaps, Cyber Security Certification for Functional Safety is becoming essential for professionals who need expertise in both domains.
READ: OT Vs IT Cybersecurity: A Complete Analysis
Standards Governing Functional Safety and Cybersecurity
The increasing complexity of safety-critical systems has led to the development of global standards that define best practices for both functional safety and cybersecurity. These standards help organizations implement risk-based approaches, ensuring compliance, reliability, and protection against failures and attacks.
1. Functional Safety Standards
Functional safety is governed by industry-specific standards that provide guidelines for designing, testing, and validating safety-critical systems.
Key Standards:
- ISO 26262 – The global standard for automotive functional safety, ensuring that electronic and software-based vehicle systems operate safely.
- IEC 61508 – A broader standard covering functional safety across multiple industries, including industrial automation, energy, and medical devices.
These standards define the functional safety process, requiring manufacturers to:
- Perform Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessments (HARA).
- Implement fail-safe and fault-tolerant designs.
- Conduct verification and validation tests before deployment.
2. Cybersecurity Standards
Unlike functional safety, cybersecurity focuses on proactive threat management and continuous risk monitoring.
Key Standards:
- ISO 21434 – The leading cybersecurity engineering standard for road vehicles, addressing threats such as hacking, software tampering, and unauthorized access.
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) – A widely used risk management framework that guides organizations in assessing, detecting, and responding to cyber threats.
- IEC 62443 – A cybersecurity standard specifically designed for industrial control systems (ICS), including manufacturing plants and critical infrastructure.
ISO 21434 requires manufacturers to:
- Conduct Threat Analysis and Risk Assessments (TARA).
- Integrate secure development practices into the product lifecycle.
- Implement continuous monitoring and incident response strategies.
The Need for a Holistic Safety Standard
Despite clear overlaps, functional safety and cybersecurity are still treated as separate disciplines in current standards. Neither ISO 26262 nor ISO 21434 provides a fully integrated approach that addresses safety and security simultaneously.
As a result, industries are calling for a holistic standard that aligns functional safety and cybersecurity requirements into a single co-engineering framework. This would ensure that security vulnerabilities do not compromise safety mechanisms, and that safety failures do not introduce security risks.
ALSO: Conformity Vs Compliance: A Complete Analysis
Holistic Safety and Security
As industries become increasingly reliant on software-driven systems, the boundaries between functional safety and cybersecurity are fading. The traditional approach of treating them separately is no longer sufficient, and organizations must adopt a holistic safety strategy to manage both malfunctions and cyber threats effectively.
1. Why a Holistic Approach is Necessary
With the rise of connected devices, autonomous systems, and remote software updates, a security breach can lead directly to a safety failure. Industries such as automotive, industrial automation, and aerospace are particularly vulnerable, as these sectors increasingly rely on networked systems that can be targeted by cyberattacks.
Example:
- In automotive safety, an airbag control system developed under ISO 26262 may function perfectly under normal conditions. However, if a hacker remotely disables the airbag through a cybersecurity vulnerability, the entire safety mechanism is compromised.
- In industrial automation, an attacker exploiting a network vulnerability could disable emergency stop functions, putting workers and machinery at risk.
To prevent these threats, industries need to align functional safety standards (ISO 26262) with cybersecurity frameworks (ISO 21434) and ensure that both disciplines work together in system design.
2. How Companies are Aligning Functional Safety and Cybersecurity
Leading organizations are now integrating Functional Safety and Cybersecurity by:
- Embedding cybersecurity risk assessments into the functional safety process.
- Requiring dual compliance with both ISO 26262 (safety) and ISO 21434 (security) in product development.
- Applying continuous security monitoring to ensure that software updates and networked systems do not introduce new safety risks.
- Training professionals in both fields, leading to the rise of cyber security certification for functional safety to help bridge the skills gap.
3. Career Opportunities: The Growing Demand for Safety & Security Experts
As industries move toward holistic safety, there is a rising demand for functional safety jobs that require expertise in both safety and cybersecurity. Professionals trained in functional safety courses and certified in ISO 26262 and ISO 21434 will be highly valuable in roles such as:
- Functional Safety and Cybersecurity Engineer
- Safety-Critical Software Developer
- Risk Assessment Specialist (HARA & TARA)
- Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst
With industries adopting a co-engineering approach, the future of functional safety and cybersecurity will be one of integration, where safety is no longer an isolated discipline but a secure, adaptive, and continuously improving framework.
Conclusion
The line between functional safety and cybersecurity is no longer distinct. As industries embrace software-defined vehicles, industrial automation, and connected systems, ensuring safety without cybersecurity is impossible.
ISO 26262 provides a framework for functional safety, ensuring systems fail safely, while ISO 21434 focuses on protecting those same systems from cyber threats.
Without cybersecurity, a system designed for functional safety could still be exploited by hackers, rendering safety mechanisms useless. Likewise, without functional safety, a system that is cybersecure could still fail due to hardware malfunctions.
The co-engineering of these two disciplines is essential for ensuring both reliability and resilience in modern systems.
Professionals looking to stay ahead in this evolving landscape should consider cyber security certification for functional safety, expanding their expertise in both risk assessment methodologies (HARA & TARA) and compliance standards (ISO 26262 & ISO 21434).
As industries push for a holistic safety approach, the question remains: How can companies accelerate the integration of cybersecurity into functional safety without disrupting existing processes?
The future will belong to those who can seamlessly align safety and security, creating systems that are not only reliable but also resilient against emerging threats.
FAQ
What is the difference between functional safety and security?
The key difference between functional safety and security is intent.
Functional safety ensures that a system operates safely even when failures occur. It focuses on preventing hazards caused by system malfunctions, software bugs, or hardware failures. Examples include fail-safe braking systems in vehicles or emergency shutdown mechanisms in industrial plants.
Security, particularly cybersecurity, protects systems from intentional attacks, unauthorized access, and data breaches. It aims to prevent external threats that could compromise the system. Examples include firewalls, encryption, and access controls to protect against cyberattacks.
Both are important: a system can be functionally safe but still vulnerable to cyber threats if security is not considered.
What is the difference between cybersecurity and safety?
While cybersecurity and safety share the goal of protecting people, systems, and assets, they address different challenges:
Cybersecurity focuses on preventing unauthorized access, data breaches, and system manipulations caused by hackers or malicious actors. It includes encryption, authentication, and continuous monitoring to ensure a system remains protected from cyber threats.
Safety (including functional safety) is about preventing harm from failures, whether they are caused by random faults, software glitches, or unintended design flaws. It ensures that systems fail in a controlled manner to avoid accidents.
Example:
A self-driving car must be designed with both:
Safety mechanisms to prevent malfunctions (e.g., ensuring the braking system works even if a sensor fails).
Cybersecurity protections to prevent hackers from remotely disabling the brakes.
What is the difference between functional safety and technical safety?
Functional safety is a subset of technical safety that specifically deals with ensuring a system remains safe in case of failures. It is governed by standards like ISO 26262 for automotive systems and IEC 61508 for industrial applications.
Technical safety is a broader concept that includes all aspects of safety engineering, such as mechanical, electrical, and software-related safety measures. It encompasses functional safety, structural safety, and operational safety.
Example:
In an automotive system:
Technical safety covers all safety-related aspects, including airbag design, crash protection, and engine overheating prevention.
Functional safety ensures that if the electronic control system fails, the car still operates safely (e.g., the brakes engage properly even if a sensor fails).
Is cybersecurity a safety?
No, cybersecurity is not the same as safety, but it is a crucial part of overall system protection.
Cybersecurity protects against intentional threats (e.g., hacking, data breaches, unauthorized access).
Safety, including functional safety, protects against unintentional failures and malfunctions (e.g., hardware or software defects).
However, cybersecurity can impact safety. A cyberattack on a safety-critical system (e.g., a vehicle’s braking system or an industrial control unit) could cause hazardous failures, making cybersecurity an essential part of safety assurance.
Thus, while cybersecurity is not traditionally classified as “safety,” it is essential for ensuring overall system resilience and functional safety compliance.
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