FleetDM at Rivian Automotive

Imagine you’re in a high-speed car chase, trying to outrun vulnerabilities popping up like obstacles on the highway. Now, what if the car itself was not only avoiding but also scanning these obstacles, all while adapting to the best escape routes? That’s a little like what Rivian Automotive Inc. is doing with FleetDM in the cybersecurity landscape.

This blog post delves into why Rivian’s cybersecurity team chose FleetDM over other well-known players like Rapid7, Qualys, and Tenable. We'll discuss how FleetDM's unique approach, focusing on visibility and device-level insights, has given Rivian a fresh take on vulnerability management—one that’s lighter, more efficient, and deeply insightful for every investor interested in the future of cybersecurity technology.

1. Vulnerability Management Redefined: The FleetDM vs. Legacy Players

Traditional vulnerability management tools, like Rapid7, have dominated the market with network-based and agent-based scanning. These heavyweight agents scan the network, much like old-school security guards sweeping every corner of a warehouse. However, the team at Rivian found a more elegant solution in FleetDM, which they liken to a lightweight, highly insightful sentry that can zoom into even the smallest components of the devices in use.

FleetDM’s agent can reach beyond what was possible with previous tools, scanning down to chipset-level details like the TPM chip on a motherboard. This type of visibility is crucial for an organization like Rivian, whose devices need not only robust protection but also precise insights to identify which specific components are vulnerable. It’s like having X-ray vision versus just a flashlight—and that’s the kind of difference that resonates with investors looking for a competitive edge.

2. Deployment Efficiency: From Proof of Concept to Full Integration in Record Time

Rivian’s deployment experience with FleetDM was striking in its efficiency—agents rolled out across 15,000 devices within just two weeks, with minimal manual input and friction. In comparison, removing their previous solution, Rapid7, was a time-consuming process fraught with challenges. FleetDM’s deployment required only a few hours to set up, allowing Rivian to get immediate insights without the typical growing pains associated with vulnerability management solutions.

For an investor, this means FleetDM presents a low-friction integration, especially for agile environments that need to get systems up and running quickly. Faster deployment means earlier identification of risks and reduced operational disruption—translating into lower costs and quicker returns.

3. OT Environments: Lightweight and Unintrusive

One of the biggest surprises FleetDM brought to the table for Rivian was its use in Operational Technology (OT) environments—manufacturing setups where bandwidth and system resources are scarce. Traditional tools like Rapid7 could not penetrate OT environments without creating unacceptable system overhead. FleetDM's lightweight nature allowed it to be successfully deployed on these systems, providing Rivian with an unexpected win.

Imagine trying to fit a full-sized cyber truck into a compact car parking space—most vulnerability management tools would simply not fit the bill. FleetDM, with its lightweight approach, squeezes in perfectly without compromising on functionality. This capability gave Rivian the insights they needed in resource-constrained environments where every megabyte counts.

4. Flexibility and API Leverage: A Modern Data Approach

Rivian also leveraged FleetDM’s API integration capabilities, using them to extract data into their existing systems such as Splunk. The team did not just take FleetDM at face value but instead built their own data pipelines to customize their vulnerability insights and create automated reports. The flexibility of FleetDM means data could be adapted to serve multiple business functions, all the way from risk assessment to strategic decision-making.

FleetDM’s ability to turn each device into a set of queryable tables enables organizations to dive deep into details otherwise hidden by other tools. For Rivian, this adaptability not only saves money but also reduces their dependence on multiple separate tools—resulting in streamlined processes and, ultimately, lower costs.

5. Cost Efficiency: Replacing Legacy Tools with Smarter Investments

FleetDM didn't just add functionality; it replaced other costly tools. Rivian was able to retire a six-figure contract they had with another vendor because the data FleetDM provided covered all the bases, even better in some cases. For investors, this presents an enticing case: deploying FleetDM means not only a technology upgrade but also a direct reduction in overall costs.

Investors are always on the lookout for companies that maximize efficiency—and Rivian’s move to FleetDM demonstrates their commitment to tech-driven operational excellence. With price always being a consideration, FleetDM came out cheaper than Rapid7 for what Rivian needed, further boosting their internal ROI.

6. The Path Forward: Building More and Scaling Better

Despite its positive impact, FleetDM is not without its challenges—the reliance on osquery as a language can present a learning curve for some cybersecurity teams. Rivian is working closely with FleetDM to simplify user experiences by moving more features to an intuitive UI. It’s this kind of hands-on, collaborative development that makes FleetDM more than just a vendor—they’re a partner that adapts to their clients' needs.

This collaborative dynamic is a key differentiator in the fast-evolving tech landscape, where companies need partners who can grow with them and solve problems that don’t have off-the-shelf solutions. The commitment to improving and expanding its use case makes FleetDM a promising choice for future scalability, which means more value for Rivian and, by extension, its investors.

Conclusion: Changing the Game in Vulnerability Management

Rivian's partnership with FleetDM showcases how choosing the right tool can have a domino effect on operational efficiency, risk management, and cost reduction. FleetDM offered Rivian something no other tool could—the depth of data, flexibility in integration, lightweight deployment, and a true partnership in its development. For investors, FleetDM's journey at Rivian is an indicator of how smart, agile technologies can provide superior returns by not only solving today's problems but also by proactively evolving with the needs of tomorrow.

If cybersecurity is like a car race, Rivian’s moved from using binoculars to see the track ahead to having a co-pilot with infrared vision—making it clear why they’re driving the future of automotive cybersecurity.