Does IoT Create a Car Security Problem?

Featured article by Jeremy Sutter, Independent Technology Author

Vulnerabilities that allow smart vehicles to be hacked by unauthorized users can lead to a wide range of potentially serious problems and issues. With greater numbers of vehicles that rely on sophisticated digital automation and enhanced connectivity hitting the road each year, drivers would do well to learn more about the potential risks that may increase the likelihood of a data breach as well as the steps and efforts that may allow them to better protect themselves. From minor irritations to potential safety concerns, addressing any underlying vulnerabilities or security concerns is often well worth the time and effort involved.

Understanding the True Cost of a Data Breach

Accounts and equipment that have been accessed by those lacking proper authority can quickly lead to serious problems and issues that owners would be wise to avoid. The consequences of having a smart vehicle compromised may range from minor annoyances, loss of personal or financial information, damage to equipment and on-board systems or even potential operational risks which could create a real safety hazard. Vehicle owners who fail to take appropriate measures to protect themselves could be faced with numerous long-term problems that could end up costing them far more than they may have imagined.

Avoiding the Most Serious Problems and Safety Issues

From minor issues to more serious concerns such as vehicle theft and situations where safety may be compromised, drivers would be wise to assess the current digital security risks, existing vulnerabilities and future issues that they may be faced with. Lacking a clear understanding of the situation can hamper efforts to prevent a breach. Learning which systems, on-board equipment and amenities may be used or exploited by malicious software or hackers is often the first step towards ensuring that vehicles and owner information can be kept both safe and secure.

Finding the Best Security Resources

Digital security resources for smart vehicles are often very similar to those used to protect desktop and laptop computer systems. Software, applications and security patches and updates can all go a long way towards reducing the risk of a breach or other issue. The time, effort and expense needed to utilize such resources is often far less than what may be required in order to deal with the consequences of a breach after the fact. Speaking with a dealership or a third-party security service can provide owners with the information they need in order to take more effective action.

Laws and Regulations

While there are currently very few laws and regulations that serve to protect vehicle owners from being targeted by hackers and malware, there are plenty of changes that drivers can expect to see in the near future. Inspection services that take into account the level of digital security as well as car insurance rates that may soon reflect efforts to address underlying vulnerabilities in a vehicle’s software and data connection. As vehicles continue to grow more sophisticated and greater numbers of autonomous and self-driving cars and trucks hit the road, new laws and regulations governing digital threats will be required in order to keep drivers safe.

Future Trends in Vehicle Security

Digital threats often change and evolve rapidly and vehicle owners who fail to keep pace with new technology and emerging trends could be making a costly misstep. Steps that are able to ensure a greater level of safety and security for smart vehicles today may be far from sufficient in the days ahead. Spending a little time and effort to keep appraised of any emerging security concerns that may be just over the horizon can help to ensure that vehicle owners are less likely to be caught unaware by emerging threats or an unexpected trend.