Strategies for Building Resilient Cybersecurity in the Automotive Industry

The proliferation of connected cars, autonomous vehicles, and shared transportation has increased the vulnerability to cyber threats, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures.

FREMONT, CA: In an era where technology is revolutionizing the automotive industry, cybersecurity has taken on a new level of importance. The rise of connected cars, autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and shared transportation has ushered in a new era of convenience and efficiency. It has also brought forth a pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures. As vehicles become increasingly digitized and interconnected, the potential for cyber threats to compromise safety, privacy, and functionality is a critical concern that must be addressed head-on.

Connected vehicles, which enable seamless communication between cars, infrastructure, and the cloud, offer various benefits, such as real-time navigation, remote diagnostics, and software updates. This interconnectivity opens up new avenues for cyberattacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the vehicle's software, compromising personal data and gaining control over critical vehicle functions. The consequences could range from unauthorized access to disabling brakes or steering systems, posing significant risks to driver safety.

This shift has turned automotive cybersecurity into a matter of physical safety. With regulatory standards for vehicle hardware and software still developing, automakers must think strategically to build resilient and secure systems prepared to tackle today's and tomorrow's automotive cybersecurity needs.

Cybersecurity, the practice of protecting data and systems from digital attacks, is a hot topic across industries. The rapid change in the automotive industry has created the need for robust cybersecurity measures, from software development practices to vulnerability management and beyond. New, emerging cyberattacks continue to pop up, with the cyber risk associated with third-party mobile apps, vehicle subscription services, fleet management software, and other areas rising.

Vehicles equipped with remote start technology are able to be unlocked and started without the driver having to get out of the car. Cyber attackers can take advantage of this, using multiple methods of attack to unlock, access, and start the vehicle themselves.

Connected vehicles are equipped with various software and sensors to communicate with each other and the outside world. The likelihood of cyberattacks on connected vehicles is higher because of vulnerabilities in their software or hardware, which can be exploited to steal sensitive information. Autonomous vehicles may be even more vulnerable to cyberattacks than connected ones. Self-driving vehicles rely on complex software to make decisions about how to drive. A successful attack on an autonomous vehicle could cause it to crash or function erratically.

Advanced driver assistance technologies, made possible by AI, leverage many electronics, sensors, and systems, like electronic control units, to function. But though driver assistance features have the potential to make roads safer, strong cybersecurity measures will be needed to ensure they function as intended. Electric vehicles rely on charging stations to operate. These stations can be vulnerable to fraud, malware, and remote manipulation, compromising the charging process and altering the vehicle's ability to function properly.

Charging networks also collect and store sensitive data like customer payment information, vehicle identification numbers, and more. Because these networks are connected via an electric grid, a cyberattack on a charging station could impact the entire grid, leading to service disruptions and widespread outages that significantly impact individuals and businesses that rely on EV charging.