The Future Of Hacking Is In Connected Cars

While cars equipped with internet access make life more convenient, journeys greener, and roads safer, car manufacturers face challenges in keeping personal data safe, avoiding driver distraction, and preventing cyber-attacks.

Cyber security experts have shown considerable interest in connected car vulnerabilities and, in three recently reported cases, carmakers do not appear to be adequately prepared:

• Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recalled 1.4 million vehicles in the US over a vulnerability in dashboard computers that allowed hackers to disable the vehicle;
• White hat hackers broke into General Motor's OnStar system; and
• White hat hackers also plugged into a Tesla Model S to implant malware into the car's central computer.