Automotive cybersecurity company Upstream Security Inc. today announced a new strategic partnership with Škoda Auto a.s. to support the automaker’s unified, proactive approach to cybersecurity across its connected vehicles, digital services and supporting systems.

Under the partnership, Škoda is using Upstream’s platform to consolidate cyberthreat intelligence, risk signals and compliance-related information into a single shared environment that will improve visibility, collaboration and efficiency across Škoda’s security and engineering teams.

The partnership seeks to assist with and address the growing complexity of the connected vehicle ecosystem that Upstream says has expanded the breadth of potential cybersecurity risks for original equipment manufacturers, from cloud environments and internal information technology systems to consumer apps, charging infrastructure and supply chain partners. Thrown into the mix are regulatory frameworks that further require structured monitoring, documentation and risk management processes.

With the Upstream partnership, Škoda will be able to consolidate risk-related information and, in doing so, allow its cybersecurity and engineering professionals to review findings, share context, ask questions and document decisions within a unified workspace. The partnership will also enhance situational awareness across Škoda’s connected vehicle and digital ecosystem by streamlining communication and surfacing emerging issues earlier.

“Our partnership with Upstream supports our activities required under R155 and helps us build a more robust cybersecurity resilience across our ecosystem,” said Miroslav Sivous, a threat intelligence expert at Škoda Auto. “The partnership gives us the visibility and confidence we need to act proactively.”

The partnership also simplifies preparation for compliance reviews by organizing evidence, actions and documentation in one structured environment.

Other benefits include operations that once required extensive coordination now being able to be handled more efficiently, with clearer processes and reduced administrative burden. Upstream also said that consolidating workflows into a single environment improves audit readiness, making compliance a natural output of day-to-day cybersecurity activities.

“Škoda’s proactive mindset and dedication to continuously improving their cyber-resilience processes set a strong example for the industry,” said Yoav Levy, co-founder and chief executive officer of Upstream. “They demonstrate how operational excellence and forward-thinking leadership can meaningfully elevate cybersecurity maturity.”

Upstream is a venture capital-backed startup that has raised at least $139 million over seven rounds, according to Tracxn, though the amount Upstream raised in a Series D round in April was not disclosed. Previous rounds raised by the company include $9 million in December 2017 and $62 million in August 2021.

Investors in Upstream include Cisco Investments, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd., La Maison Partners, Glilot Capital Partners Ltd., Salesforce Ventures, Volvo Group, Delek US Holdings Inc., Nationwide Insurance Mutual Co., 57 Stars Ltd., Direct Insurance Ltd. and BMW i Ventures GmbH.

Image: Upstream