Tier IV has selected Israeli firm Plaxidity X, to provide cyber-security expertise for a Japanese airport autonomous bus project,

Plaxidity X, formerly Argus Cyber Security, is providing cyber-security consulting services to Tier IV, the force behind an open-source software package for autonomous driving.

In June 2024, Tier IV was selected for a government project to develop and deliver low-speed autonomous buses for a field trial for terminal transfers at airports in Japan. A prerequisite for commencing the field trial was providing clear evidence that the autonomous mobility project complies with the UN-R155 regulation and ISO/SAE 21434 standard.

Recognising the need for specialised cyber-security expertise, Tier IV sought to collaborate with an automotive cyber-security expert with proven experience in compliance consulting projects.

“We chose to work with Plaxidity X based on its extensive experience, reliability and cyber expertise,” said Fumihito Ito from Tier IV. “The technical proficiency and regulatory knowledge their team demonstrated in the initial pre-assessment gave us the peace of mind to move forward confidently.”

After performing a gap analysis of Tier IV’s current cyber-security status vis-à-vis the regulation, Plaxidity X created a customised package of services to address the identified gaps. This package includes developing a cyber-security plan, ongoing cyber-security activities such as vulnerability monitoring and incident response, cyber-security interface agreements, test plans, threat analysis and risk assessment support, and assistance in creating the cyber-security case and validation reports.

Plaxidity X’s team completed this project over a three-month period, and all deliverables were submitted to Tier IV to support its preparations for review from the airport authorities. The project was conducted primarily by Plaxidity X’s local cyber experts in Japan, which ensured quick response to Tier IV requests, smooth communications and timely delivery of work materials.

Following the success of this initial engagement, Tier IV (tier4.jp) has also contracted Plaxidity X to assist in the implementation of a cyber-security management system (CSMS).

“We are honoured to have been selected by Tier IV for this autonomous mobility project,” said Tomoyuki Goto from Plaxidity X. “Compliance with cyber-security regulations and standards is now a critical business requirement. With the completion of our joint cyber-security activities and the ongoing CSMS project, Tier IV can be confident that its autonomous vehicles are developed in accordance with the highest cyber-security standards.”

Founded in 2014, Plaxidity X (plaxidityx.com) is headquartered in Israel, with a footprint in the USA, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Poland and India.