One of the many conveniences that technology brings to our lives is connectivity. Not only among humans but within machines too. The Internet of Things (IoT) is bringing multiple devices in contact with one another so that they can transmit signals between them and establish contact. This way various appliances, gadgets and things come together and humans can control them from one place with ease.
The Internet of Things has been available for devices for many years but in the past one new gadget is becoming a part of this network; cars! Yes! As technology grows with leaps and bounds, cars are being fitted with more complex and advanced electronics that allow them to for cyberspace among themselves.
The growing threat to automotive cybersecurity
It is evident that more and more cars are becoming connected. The electronics and programs in vehicles are allowing them to perform sophisticated functions like controlling the infotainment system to self-driving the cars. Tesla’s are practical examples of these systems in action. While this connectivity is an amazing thing for consumers to have in their cars, it poses some serious threats as well.
This is not something that has just surfaced. For the past few years, hackers have been trying to steal owner information and vehicle details through hacking or phishing. These simple attacks are not going anywhere. In fact, they are only going to get more sophisticated. There have been instances caught on CCTV where some high-tech thieves have been able to override the security systems in cars and drive away with them. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning.
Potential consequences of cyberattacks on vehicles
Remember that scene from Fate of the Furious where Cypher takes control of almost every car with a computer chip on the streets? It might have felt a bit exaggerated in the movie but as time progresses, it is becoming a possibility. A hacker with the right equipment and skills can easily hack into the chips installed in the computer of the car eventually taking control of the vehicle.
We have seen numerous examples of these attacks in the recent past. Different sources have reported occurrences like Tesla 3 operating systems being erased and personal iterations being run on the car’s computer, hacking of alarm systems and the several vulnerabilities in the ECUs as well as infotainment systems of brands like BMW among many others. This has given rise to severe reservations about the emphasis which companies are laying on cybersecurity of connected vehicles.
Zero-day attacks
Much like the surprise that cybercrime has sprung on us in the other fields, the threat in the automotive sector is the same too. Most car manufacturers and other respective authorities are unaware of the type of attack until it actually happens. This has given rise to the term ‘zero-day attacks’ because of the fact that no one knows when, where or how they are going to happen.
What companies are doing to curb the threat
Auto manufacturers have become aware of the growing threat that cybersecurity is posing to their cars and the people who drive it. Imagine someone simply hacking into the computer of your vehicle and disabling it in the middle of the road. There are people out there who would try such a thing just for the heck of it. These people are the ones who pose the biggest challenge to car manufacturers.
Modern vehicles are now being fitted with not only electronics that are more advanced but also top of the line intrusion detection and prevention systems. The Internet of Things is allowing car manufacturers to connect using mobile devices to the vehicle itself so that the slightest hampering with the car can trigger an alert or alarm to notify those in the vicinity. Other features are also being tested and are on the brink of being introduced into production.
Conclusion
The prospects for automotive cybersecurity are looking promising for car brands and consumers. There is a lot being done to prevent these happenings in the future. Still, cybercriminals have the upper hand so the possibilities of vehicle theft and overrides are still very real. In any case, it is an interesting space to keep tabs on for the latest developments.