[BreachExchange] Why Cybersecurity Is the Next Frontier for the Auto Industry

[Audrey McNeil]

http://247wallst.com/autos/2017/03/09/why-cybersecurity-
is-the-next-frontier-for-the-auto-industry/

Concerns over cybersecurity have been a long-standing issue in the United
States as we become more advanced in the technology we use day to day. In
the past, the concerns have been more rooted in the theft of data, but as
more aspects of daily life become automated, hackers have more targets that
could physically harm people. One of the main targets, as the technology
continues to develop, is automated or driverless cars.

Cybersecurity is considered crucial to self-driving and connected cars,
which are growing more similar to computers on wheels with each passing
day. These cars are hosting more communications systems that hackers can
target.

Security experts have cited the terrifying hypothetical example of a remote
attack on a fully autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or brakes, in
which the passenger would have no recourse to regain manual control of the
car.

In September 2016, Chinese cybersecurity researchers hacked a Tesla Model S
sedan, remotely tapping the brakes and popping the trunk. Tesla
subsequently patched the bugs using an over-the-air fix. Although this is
incredibly improbable, technically it is possible.

Tesla has been the first to champion “over-the-air” technology in which
wireless software updates are sent remotely to cars. But at the same time,
some have argued such updates are another way in for hackers, Tesla and
others see the updates as a key protection to upgrade security and repair
vulnerabilities quickly.

In January, U.S. lawmakers introduced a bill calling for cybersecurity
standards for new cars, but so far U.S. regulators have issued
recommendations, not rules, on how carmakers should shield their computer
systems from hackers.

Not to mention, if a car was seen as vulnerable, it could be a huge problem
with the brand. But keep in mind that the industry is a ways away from
solving the cybersecurity issue. The first generation of cars that include
some kind of detection capabilities will not be seen until early 2018.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.riskbasedsecurity.com/pipermail/breachexchange/attachments/20170309/0b9c17e7/attachment.html>