VicOne Company Profile

Background

VicOne, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trend Micro, specializes in delivering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored for the automotive industry. Established to address the unique security challenges of modern vehicles, VicOne's mission is to secure the vehicles of tomorrow by providing robust protection throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. Leveraging over 30 years of cybersecurity expertise from its parent company, VicOne is dedicated to enabling automotive manufacturers to build secure and intelligent vehicles.

Key Strategic Focus

VicOne's strategic focus centers on developing and implementing advanced cybersecurity solutions for connected and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The company emphasizes:

Comprehensive Vehicle Protection: Offering end-to-end security solutions that safeguard critical vehicle components, manufacturing processes, and supply chain systems.

Regulatory Compliance: Assisting partners in meeting stringent regulatory requirements, such as UN Regulation No. 155 and ISO/SAE 21434:2021, to ensure timely and compliant product development.

Innovative Technologies: Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to proactively detect and mitigate cyber threats in the automotive ecosystem.

Financials and Funding

As a subsidiary of Trend Micro, VicOne benefits from the financial stability and resources of its parent company. In April 2023, VicOne made a strategic financial investment in Block Harbor, a fellow innovator in automotive cybersecurity. This partnership aims to integrate their platforms, providing a comprehensive solution for automotive cybersecurity and addressing ISO/SAE 21434 requirements across all phases of vehicle development.

Pipeline Development

VicOne continuously expands its product portfolio to meet the evolving cybersecurity demands of the automotive industry. In January 2023, the company launched its Smart Cockpit Protection, recognizing the increasing integration of advanced features and applications in vehicles through in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems. This solution provides multi-layered cybersecurity features to protect IVI systems and applications, aligning with the industry's shift towards autonomous vehicles.

Technological Platform and Innovation

VicOne distinguishes itself through its proprietary technologies and innovative approaches:

xCarbon: An embedded security module that detects and prevents cyber-attacks. Integrated with Panasonic Automotive Systems' VERZEUSE™ for Virtualization Extensions, xCarbon monitors communication data within virtualization platforms, protecting next-generation cockpit systems from cyber threats.

xZETA: An automotive vulnerability and Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) management system that scans vehicle software to identify zero-day vulnerabilities, malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats. It ensures alignment with ISO/SAE 21434 processes and enables continuous monitoring.

xNexus: A next-generation vehicle security operations center (VSOC) platform that integrates AI and large language models (LLMs) to provide precise, contextualized, and actionable threat insights, enhancing risk visibility across the automotive ecosystem.

Leadership Team

Max Cheng: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VicOne. Under his leadership, VicOne has expanded its global operations and formed strategic partnerships to enhance automotive cybersecurity.

Mahendra Negi: Chairman of VicOne. Also serving as CFO and board member of Trend Micro, Negi brings extensive experience in the internet and software industries, contributing to VicOne's strategic vision and growth.

Leadership Changes

In September 2023, VicOne appointed Mahendra Negi as Chairman. Negi's background includes roles at Merrill Lynch, specializing in Japan's internet and software industries, and he holds advanced degrees in physics and management.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The automotive cybersecurity market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of connected and software-defined vehicles. The expansion of the cyber-attack surface necessitates robust security solutions to protect vehicles, drivers, and sensitive data.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the automotive cybersecurity space include:

Argus Cyber Security: Specializes in in-vehicle network protection and intrusion detection systems.

Karamba Security: Focuses on endpoint protection and embedded security solutions for automotive ECUs.

Upstream Security: Provides cloud-based cybersecurity solutions for connected vehicles, emphasizing data analytics and anomaly detection.

These companies, along with VicOne, contribute to a competitive landscape that drives innovation and enhances the overall security posture of the automotive industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

VicOne actively engages in strategic collaborations to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity:

42Crunch: In May 2024, VicOne partnered with 42Crunch to enhance API security for software-defined vehicles and the connected vehicle ecosystem. This collaboration enables quicker detection of API security vulnerabilities and improved compliance with regulations such as UN Regulation No. 155 and ISO/SAE 21434:2021.

Panasonic Automotive Systems: VicOne collaborated with Panasonic to create a robust security system for virtualization platforms, allowing automotive stakeholders to co-develop software-defined vehicles securely. This partnership was recognized with the 2023 Informa Tech Automotive Award for Collaborative Partnership of the Year.

Block Harbor: In April 2023, VicOne made a strategic financial investment in Block Harbor, aiming to integrate their platforms and provide a comprehensive solution for automotive cybersecurity, addressing ISO/SAE 21434 requirements across all phases of vehicle development.

Operational Insights

VicOne's strategic partnerships and innovative solutions position the company as a leader in automotive cybersecurity. By leveraging its parent company's extensive cybersecurity expertise and collaborating with industry innovators, VicOne offers comprehensive protection for connected and software-defined vehicles. The company's proactive approach to addressing emerging threats and regulatory requirements provides a distinct competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

VicOne is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Expansion of Smart Cockpit Protection: With the increasing integration of advanced features in vehicles, VicOne's Smart Cockpit Protection addresses the need for multi-layered cybersecurity in IVI systems.

Global Market Penetration: The opening of the global headquarters in Tokyo enhances VicOne's ability to support Japan-based automakers and expand its presence in key automotive markets.

Regulatory Compliance Solutions: VicOne's solutions assist automotive stakeholders in meeting evolving cybersecurity regulations, positioning the company as a valuable partner in achieving compliance.

By focusing on these areas, VicOne aims to strengthen its market position and continue delivering innovative cybersecurity solutions for the automotive industry.

Contact Information

For more information about VicOne and its offerings, please visit the official website. VicOne's global headquarters is located in Tokyo, Japan, with additional operations in Taiwan, Germany, and the United States.