Former Boeing Exec to Head Auto Cybersecurity Group

The Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC) has hired Faye Francy as its executive director. She succeeds Jon Allen, who had served as acting director since the industry group was formed last year to help combat cybersecurity issues.

Francy will oversee the organization’s operations, including information sharing processes, threat intelligence and best practice development. She previously served in a similar capacity for the aviation industry’s ISAC, and previously led Boeing Co.’s commercial airplanes “Cyber One” engineering team.

ISACs were created in 1998 to create public and private sector partnerships to help protect U.S. infrastructures against cyber threats. There currently are 24 such groups. Auto-ISAC members include BMW, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, Hyundai-Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Volkswagen.

Earlier this week the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued nonbinding cybersecurity guidelines for the auto industry, expanding Auto-ISAC’s existing best practices.