Why it is Necessary to Manage Security in the Connected Cars

Auto Tech Outlook | Thursday, December 24, 2020

The connected car owners need to understand the security risks associated to it and plan an end-to-end security approach.

FREMONT, CA: Smart cars face all kinds of security problems and challenges, not only because they are connected, but they can even be breached into and remotely controlled. It is also a fundamental safety aspect of car ownership as the user does not want someone with minimal understanding of hacking to access and take control of the systems of the car. For instance, using only $600 worth of radio and PC equipment, a team of hackers compromised a popular electric car's key fob. By opening the gates, they drove away.

Perhaps more extreme than that, connected cars can be hacked remotely and controlled. White hat hackers have shown this on a variety of occasions. Two hackers gained possession of the Wired journalist's self-driving SUV. They played with the air conditioning, radio, and windshield wipers, finally turning down the car's engine and forcing the driver to stop at the side of the lane.

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

The data and privacy factor

Since it is linked to the Internet, a car's data trail is also available for the cybercriminals to snoop. By default, connected vehicles have become part of the data journey and are related to individuals, other cars, residences, workplaces, shops, smart city services, and more. It implies that they are private data sources, including location-based details as to where the driver and passenger is located, plus other information that they might use in the vehicle, email, or Google searches, or social media. After all, users are on a machine on wheels.

See Also: Top Automotive Solution Companies

It begins with making a case for linked vehicles, re-emphasizing their advantages, and then goes on to a safety roadmap. Here are some of the main steps:

Focus on the overall advantages of the connected car

Connected vehicles can help avoid collisions, minimize traffic congestion, and, by lower carbon emissions, positively affect the environment. There are customized owner advantages to highlight, including greater comfort, more manageable maintenance through observations, and in-car entertainment choices.

Understand the types of cybersecurity risks and threats

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has defined four areas of risk associated with cyber threats around connected car data in the U.S. The hazards consist of privacy and protection, fraudulent commercial transactions, non-safety operational interference, and safety-related operative interference. Car manufacturers need to consider these cyber threats and counter them by putting necessary and efficient safety measures in place.

Plan and implement an end-to-end security approach

From connecting to the cloud to interacting with the car manufacturer's servers to downloading in-car content for passengers, there are more in-car connection points than ever before. It produces more possible security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. To mitigate these threats, manufacturers need to put a structured, end-to-end protection approach in place.

More in News

Understanding the finest charging networks for home or workplace use may be challenging. Mostly with the EV revolution well launched, charging networks for electric vehicles must keep up with demand from automakers introducing new models. They must also keep up with the rapidly evolving technology and capturing architecture present in current electric vehicles. The efficiency of electric vehicles is constantly being checked. With so many businesses competing for a quick or home charger version, each encounters network issues. Charge point manufacturers aren't always to blame. The key hurdles are the high installation costs, communication between grid and charge station businesses, and charger compatibility. These and other difficulties are discussed below to give you a feel of what manufacturers confront while constructing and operating their charge network. Poor charging infrastructure   Behind the scenes, there are agreements among grid operators, charging producers, and landowners. This implies that establishing a charging network is costly, with installation prices ranging from $2,500 for a slow charger to 35,800 dollars for a charging station. Understanding the finest charging networks for home or workplace use may be challenging. Rural locations are also underserved in terms of charging infrastructure, and this area requires significant investment to provide disadvantaged areas with accessibility to EV charging. Adding halfway chargers and overnight charges may be a good start. Vehicle-grid interoperability The logistics, communication, and agreements necessary between the grid, utility providers, and charging manufacturers are now in short supply. The issue needs to be improved by a lack of communication to agree on large-scale deployment of an inexpensive, dependable, and secure electric car charging network for drivers. Even with viable vehicle-to-grid infrastructure, all stakeholders must develop the requisite protocols and technologies. This is frequently due to government or utility firms withholding information not provided to charging network providers, and this often slows development time and makes the project less lucrative. Ease of use while charging Drivers have a genuine problem due to unreliability and the unpredictability of a charger being accessible upon arrival. They are coupled with the difficulties of utilizing various applications and cards and the general aggravation of paying for charging any EV. Long-term ideas include allowing consumers to view the whole network through a single app. Find out which chargers are operational and available, as well as the cost of each charger, to make the most out of the user experience. Disabled drivers must have rapid and easy access to charging stations, which the UK has pledged to increase. ...Read more
The automotive industry is changing, and technological advancements are transforming how dealerships function. While these innovations present significant opportunities for growth and increased efficiency, they also bring unique challenges. Dealerships need to understand and navigate these challenges in order to succeed in an increasingly digital landscape. Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes One of the most significant challenges facing automotive dealerships today is the rapid pace of technological change. New software, platforms, and tools are consistently emerging, making it difficult for dealerships to keep up. The integration of advanced technologies, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, inventory management solutions, and digital marketing tools, requires dealerships to adapt their business processes continually. To effectively navigate this challenge, dealership leadership must prioritize ongoing training and development for their staff. By investing in training programs that focus on new technologies, dealerships can ensure their employees remain proficient and confident in using modern systems. Additionally, staying informed about industry trends and participating in relevant workshops or conferences can help dealership employees understand best practices and innovative solutions that are on the market. Balancing Technology and Customer Experience While technology can enhance operational efficiency, dealerships must maintain a strong focus on the customer experience. The implementation of sophisticated systems, such as online purchasing options and virtual showrooms, can sometimes lead to a disconnect between customers and sales personnel. A common challenge is striking the right balance between automation and the personal touch that customers expect when making significant purchases, such as vehicles. To address this challenge, dealerships should strive to create seamless digital experiences while preserving meaningful interactions with customers. This involves encouraging staff to utilize technology to enhance their engagement with customers rather than replace it. For instance, sales representatives can leverage CRM tools to gather insights about a customer's preferences and tailor their approach accordingly. By blending automation with human interaction, dealerships can offer a more personalized service that fosters trust and cultivates long-term relationships. Overcoming Integration Issues As automotive dealerships adopt new technologies, integrating these systems with existing infrastructure can pose a significant hurdle. Different platforms may not always communicate effectively with one another, leading to data silos and inefficiencies. For example, a dealership might have separate solutions for inventory management, accounting, and customer outreach, making it challenging to have a unified view of operations. To minimize integration issues, dealerships should carefully evaluate the technology solutions they invest in. Opting for platforms that offer easy integration capabilities or are specifically designed for the automotive sector can alleviate many of the common pitfalls associated with technology adoption. Furthermore, involving IT professionals during the selection and implementation process can help identify potential compatibility issues beforehand. Providing a clear roadmap for implementation and encouraging collaboration among teams can also facilitate a smoother transition when integrating new technologies. ...Read more
 Automotive companies are at a critical turning point due to rapid technological advancements, changing consumer demands, and increasing environmental concerns. To navigate this evolving landscape, innovative ideas must emerge from automotive engineering services. This innovation is driven not only by the immediate needs of consumers but also by the necessity to shape a sustainable future proactively. A complete paradigm shift for the traditional automotive engineer, this is a new form of automotive engineering that mingles the latest understanding in electric powertrains with advances in battery technology and infrastructure for vehicle charging. There is one new invention in innovative engineering services: research and development constitute part of operations, and effective collaboration can now occur between automotive companies and technology firms to create leading-edge solutions that improve and enhance the performance and sustainability of the vehicle. Increased Complexity Requires New Approaches to Design and Testing: The increased complexity of increasingly complex vehicle systems, including advanced driver assistance systems, connectivity features, and autonomous driving, will require new approaches in design and testing. New simulation tools and software will allow the engineer to model scenarios and assess performance to save development time and costs, meaning faster go-to-market strategies while maintaining safety and reliability. The processes of manufacturing vehicles need to have a reduced automotive footprint as well as production processes. New sustainable materials and manufacturing methodologies are being developed and tested through innovative engineering services, such as additive manufacturing and closed-loop recycling systems. Using these manufacturing means allows companies to reduce waste and energy usage significantly - at least in terms of set global sustainability goals. Digital technologies are changing the face of the automotive market. Big data analytics, AI, and the IoT are transforming vehicle design, manufacturing, and servicing. By harnessing these technologies, automotive engineering services can improve processes, enhance quality control, and provide personalized customer experiences. Predictive maintenance now comes front and center as it is powered by data analytics. Using data analytics, manufacturers can predict flaws before they appear to maximize the vehicle's life. Workforce development is one of the most significant solutions that can be helped by it. A workforce that can adapt to new tools and methodologies is required for the speed at which technologies change. Innovative training programs and partnerships with learning institutions are in great demand to prepare the next generation of engineers. A continuous learning culture with adaptability will enable automotive engineering services to stay ahead of industry changes. ...Read more
The automotive industry is continually evolving to enhance security and safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Modern vehicles are now provided with advanced technologies designed to reduce accidents and improve protection. For instance, blind spot detection systems monitor hard-to-see areas around the vehicle and alert drivers to nearby cars. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) combine various technologies to help prevent accidents or lessen their impact. Features such as automatic speed regulation maintain safe distances on highways, while emergency braking systems detect potential collisions and can intervene to avoid or mitigate the severity of accidents. Autonomous driving tech uses sensors, cameras, radar, and AI to represent a significant leap in automotive safety. While fully autonomous vehicles are still in testing, semi-autonomous driving capabilities are available. Cybersecurity has become a critical concern as cars become more connected and reliant on software. Modern vehicles have advanced cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking and unauthorized access. Automakers collaborate with cybersecurity firms to develop robust security protocols and regularly update software to address emerging threats. Biometric authentication is an emerging technology that enhances vehicle security by using unique biological characteristics for identification. Features like fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, and iris scanners are being integrated into vehicles to provide secure and convenient access. Airbag technology has seen significant advancements, with modern systems designed to offer better protection in various crash scenarios. Dual-stage airbags, which deploy with varying force depending on the collision's severity, and curtain airbags, which provide head protection in side impacts, are now standard in many vehicles. Pedestrian airbags, which deploy from the hood to cushion the impact for pedestrians in a collision, are being introduced to enhance pedestrian safety. The systems can provide alerts or take corrective actions, such as slowing down the vehicle, to prevent accidents caused by impaired driving. The systems maintain road safety by continuously monitoring drivers' behavior. The latest advancements in automotive safety and security are transforming the driving experience, making it safer and more secure. Technologies such as ADAS, autonomous driving, enhanced cybersecurity, biometric authentication, advanced airbag systems, and driver monitoring are at the forefront of this transformation. They will undoubtedly contribute to a significant reduction in road accidents and enhance the overall security of vehicles. The future of automotive safety and security promises a safer, more innovative, and more connected driving environment. Biometric systems can customize vehicle settings based on the driver's preferences, adding a layer of personalization and security. ...Read more