In today’s digital age, connected cars are now common. These vehicles, equipped with advanced technologies and connectivity features, offer benefits such as enhanced navigation, real-time traffic updates, and remote diagnostics. These advancements, however, inevitably bring with them several cybersecurity risks that need to be addressed to ensure the safety and privacy of drivers and passengers.
What are the risks?
There are five main areas to think about when considering the cybersecurity risks associated with connected vehicles. One of the most significant is the potential for remote hacking as cybercriminals exploit potential vulnerabilities in a vehicle’s software to gain access to control functions.
There are also data privacy concerns. Connected cars now collect lots of data about drivers, and not just about locations visited and driving habits. Our cars also increasingly communicate with other devices, especially our mobile phones, which contain personal data. If this data is not properly protected, it can be accessed by cybercriminals and lead to identity theft.
As well as our own devices, Vehicle-to-Everything technology means our cars can now also communicate with each other and with infrastructure like, for example, traffic management systems. While this brings the advantage of better safety and fewer jams, it’s also an added avenue for cyberattacks.
Like every other computer, a modern car can be infected with malware and ransomware, affecting the vehicle’s operation and potentially putting drivers and passengers at risk. This risk can also be exploited due to remote updates to the vehicle’s software which, if not done securely, can be hijacked to install malicious software.
What can be done to mitigate these risks?
Keeping your connected car safe from cybercriminals is pretty similar to keeping any other device safe. When you are thinking about buying a car, take the time to understand what safety features the manufacturer has included to protect the information that will be transmitted to and from the vehicle.
Once you own the vehicle, ensure that you car’s software is always up to date as manufacturers will often release patches to fix known vulnerabilities.
It’s also important to use strong, unique passwords for any services that are connected to your car. Whenever possible, use multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Cybersecurity solutions designed specifically for vehicles can also include intrusion detection systems, protecting your car not just from cybercriminals but also car thieves.
Finally, drivers and passengers should keep themselves up to date on potential cybersecurity risks and how to avoid them. Being able to recognise phishing attempts and avoiding the use of unsecured Wi-Fi networks, a key aspect of all cybersecurity, is as vital in a connected car as in any other circumstance.
Connected cars are here to stay and that’s a good thing, making driving safer and more enjoyable. That said, connectivity and technology bring risks and attract cybercriminals. These risks are not insurmountable, however, and with a bit of caution and the right security measures in place can be largely avoided.
