Automotive cyber security is a topic that is gaining traction in the industry. It can be defined as the process of protecting vehicles from threats which may compromise the safety and performance of cars. With the increasing need for connected vehicles and advancements in vehicle technology, the automotive industry has become a prime target for cyberattacks.
Objectives of Automotive Cyber Security
The main objective of automotive cyber security is to ensure that car owners have a more secure driving experience. According to statistics, there have been more than 1 million incidents of malware targeting vehicles since 2011. These attacks can cause damage to critical systems such as brakes, steering and acceleration systems among others. This could lead to serious accidents on the road which can result in loss of lives and property damage.
Need for Automotive Cyber Security
The need for automotive cyber security is evident as there are many ways in which malicious actors can compromise cars through remote access or physical access such as via USB drives or Bluetooth connections. For example, if someone installs malware on your car’s infotainment system then they will be able to remotely control some functions such as disabling braking or accelerating among others.
Consequences of Poor Cyber Security Policies in Automotive Products
The consequences of poor cybersecurity policies can vary depending on the type of attack and its purpose. For example, if an attacker wants to use your car as a botnet zombie, they will install malware on your car’s operating system and use it as a zombie to perform various tasks (e.g., DDoS attacks). Alternatively, if an attacker wants access to your data for personal reasons (e.g., identity theft), they can exploit some vulnerabilities in the vehicle’s software.
Cyber security is a Mindset
Automotive cybersecurity is more than just technology. It is about ensuring that employees have the right mindset when using technology. Employees need to understand their role in protecting the product and business; and be aware of any risks associated with using electronic devices and networks. Automakers must also ensure that their employees are trained on best practices such as using strong passwords, not sharing sensitive information like design documents or communication databases over public channels such as social media sites or email accounts without proper encryption enabled.
About the Author
Anand is a Senior software architect with experience in software development for embedded systems in automotive and power domains. He is currently working in the area of Requirements Management for Systems and software engineering.
