The latest cars are more digitally connected than ever and comes packed with automated software. However, some hacking incidents on automated vehicles raises security and safety of these automobiles.
The very idea of a hacker taking control of your self driving automated car from a remote place may be similar to a science fiction film. However, according to a computer science researcher at New York University, car hacking has been possible since 2005. Furthermore, several automakers may be failing to appropriately handle the growing threat of cyberattacks in the automobile sector.
Automotive-related cyber incidents more than doubled in 2019 compared to the previous year which is a 605 percent increase from 2016. Carjackings, data breaches, and even taking control of moving cars are all examples of automobile based cyber incidents.
Weak Links
Computers are more crucial in today’s vehicles than they have ever been. According to Forescout, it is estimated that modern automotive software has 15 times more the amount of code found in most aeroplanes. Hence, hackers have a variety of ways to get access and hack a car’s systems.
The latest Connected or Self-driving or autonomous vehicles vehicles are equipped with automated software that allows for smooth connectivity and convenience for drivers such as cruise control, engine timing, door locks, airbags, and advanced systems for driver assistance. These automobiles connect using Bluetooth and WiFi technologies, which exposes them to a number of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and hacker threats.
Types of Automobile Hacking
The sort of automobile hack is determined on the vehicle. The digital key fob hack is one of the most popular means for hackers to obtain access to cars and steal the vehicle. This is usually accomplished by spoofing or cloning the signal used by a car and a key to communicate.
The other way to hack into a connected automobile is through server hacks. Server hacks can be more disastrous because gaining access to a central server grants hackers access to crucial info such as sales data, mobile apps, and even the controls of every automobile connected to it.
The next way to compromise a autonomous vehicle is through mobile app hacks. While the increased use of automotive mobile apps has been beneficial to consumers, it has also provided hackers with new ways to gain access to automobiles through GPS system for navigation. The consequences of hackers gaining access to the information and vehicle controls available in automobile apps can be dangerous.
Adaptable Challenges
The automobile Industry is a fast-paced sector. To stay up with the constant changes in cybersecurity, the systems for threat detection, authentication, and Identity management systems must be adaptable enough to meet the changing business objectives.
The infrastructure must be adaptable to changes such as:
* Latest Features: Due to the introduction of new features, there is a need to handle new entry points/vulnerabilities.
* Potential Security Threats: When parking at a restaurant, for example, some users may want to connect their car to local Wi-Fi hotspots, posing a potential security risk.
* New Access Points for Hackers: Hackers are always on the lookout for security flaws to exploit. Hence, keeping up with new advances in the cyber security and automotive business is crucial.
Mitigation
Unfortunately, automotive cybersecurity does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. However, based on the most prevalent auto hacking methods, here’s what automakers can do to secure the vehicles.
Threat Detection: Today’s automotive hackers have more options than ever before to attack your vehicle and also ways to hide those attacks. As a result, being able to detect suspicious activity at every vulnerable point before it becomes a breach is crucial.
Remote Access Points: Several modern automobiles come with a variety of remote control features such as remote start. However, if any of these remote access points is weak, it introduces significant vulnerabilities. Hence, it’s vital to protect each one of these remote access points. Improved encryption on key fob radio frequencies is part of this process. This also involves safeguarding mobile app logins and passwords, as well as critical server access which would help prevent major breaches like the iTrack and ProTrack vulnerability could create.
Strong Authentication: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and biometrics are two features that can help secure access and deter hackers seeking for a quick way in. To log in with MFA, for instance, a user must have more than just their name and password. An additional credential, such as a voice sample, fingerprint, or mobile device, is required for access. Passwordless authentication also can be used.
The Road Ahead
The auto Industry and government regulators should constantly work to keep out malicious hackers trying to sneak their way into connected automobiles. While today’s cars’ sophisticated networking capabilities are amazing, they also make vehicle security a lot more challenging than simply remembering to lock the doors. There are numerous security vulnerabilities that the average customer cannot protect against. Hence, it’s up to manufacturers to take the initiative and set the pace.