Initiative for Enhanced Digital Security: DEKRA's Trust Center in the Spotlight Building Trust in a Connected World

Trust in a Connected World

From automobiles and industry to household applications – digital technologies are becoming an integral part of everyday life. This growing connectivity heightens the need to reliably protect personal data, systems, and infrastructures. DEKRA has embraced this challenge and launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance digital security, with a pioneering Trust Center model at its core.

What is the DEKRA Trust Center?

The DEKRA Trust Center acts as a digital fiduciary, providing independent and secure access to connected systems – such as those in vehicles or the Internet of Things. It responds to the increasing complexity of digital infrastructures and establishes a central trust authority between manufacturers, users, and regulatory bodies.

Through this model, DEKRA positions itself as a leader in regulatory compliance and digital ethics.

Why Digital Security Is Essential

Cyberattacks, data breaches, and the lack of standardization in digital products pose real risks to both businesses and consumers. Industry analyses show that modern vehicles contain over 100 million lines of software code – where even a single error can compromise safety.

That’s why DEKRA adopts a holistic approach to “Digital Trust,” integrating functional safety, cybersecurity, data protection, and AI transparency as a unified framework.

DEKRA Initiatives for Strengthening Cybersecurity

Cyber Security Hub & AI Centers

Since 2020, DEKRA has established international centers of excellence for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. These hubs consolidate expertise for testing procedures, certifications, and digital training – particularly for safety-critical applications in the automotive sector.

 

Partnership with Microsoft: Digital Twins

In collaboration with Microsoft, DEKRA has developed a digital twin platform based on Azure. This enables real-time testing of electric vehicle batteries – a key advancement for safe e-mobility.

 

Certified Cybersecurity for EV Charging Stations

As the first testing organization, DEKRA issues cybersecurity certificates for charging infrastructure in accordance with the ETSI EN 303645 standard. This provides clarity and builds trust – for both manufacturers and consumers.

The Digital Trust Service: DEKRA’s Integrated Solution

With its "Digital Trust Service," DEKRA offers a comprehensive service package that supports companies in the development, testing, and certification of secure digital products. The service focuses on four key pillars:

• Functional Safety
• Cybersecurity
• AI Governance
• Data Protection & Compliance

This offering is tailored to companies across all industries developing connected products – from vehicles to smart home applications.

Benefits for Businesses and End Users

Businesses benefit through: 

• Accelerated market launch of certified products
• Increased legal certainty regarding EU regulations
• Enhanced consumer acceptance due to certified trustworthiness
• End users benefit from verified safety and transparent data protection – a crucial competitive factor in digital markets . 

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Digital Future Together

With its Trust Center, Digital Trust Services, and international partnerships, DEKRA is laying the foundation for a new digital trust infrastructure. Future focus areas include over-the-air updates, IoT certifications, and the implementation of the EU Cybersecurity Act.

 

Act Now:

Companies engaging in digital transformation should proactively partner with neutral institutions like DEKRA – to ensure greater security, trust, and long-term viability.

Conclusion

Through its Trust Center initiative, DEKRA is paving the way for a secure digital future. The combination of technical expertise, ethical responsibility, and global reach makes DEKRA a strong partner for businesses that take digital security seriously.

Download the Full Report:

SE DEKRA Bilanz-Pressekonferenz 2019
DEKRA Annual Report (English Version)