Why Car Makers Need To Get Security Absolutely Right
One of the biggest concerns that people have as we move into the world self-driving cars and connected devices in general is about security. As we open ourselves to more connections via the internet, we also open ourselves to the threat of someone exploiting those connections nefariously.
In most cases, like computer viruses and data breaches, we almost accept that they will happen from time to time and try to stay vigilant. It is seen as an unavoidable side effect of working on the internet. With cars, though, a breach in security is unlikely to be accepted as easily and could threaten to derail the entire transition to self-driving cars.
Self-driving cars are basically being run by computers inside which have been loaded with sophisticated programs and AI. These cars are also connected to the internet to allow for communication with the relevant smartphone apps, patching of software and even changing certain mechanical settings of the car.
Hackers have demonstrated in the past that certain semi-automated and automated cars are utilizing extremely lax security and making some basic mistakes. Unfortunately, this is a problem that is likely to come up again and again.
Meeting Standards and Securing Software are Very Different
Carmakers around the world are used to designing their cars with certain standards to meet in mind. Their car must meet certain emission standards, achieve a certain score on safety ratings, fuel efficiency standards and so on.
For software, that approach just does not work. There can be a set minimum deterrent checklist that can be followed, however, the hackers are not a stationary target. They keep evolving and coming up with newer ways in which to get past the security standards.
Car makers will have to think more like technology companies and have a robust system in place to check for bugs and continue to improve the security of their cars.
Hacking Cars Is Not Like Hacking Computers
One thing to remember though is that hacking cars is not as easy as just clicking on the wrong link on your email. Hackers need to have physical access to your car, be able to break the security around the electrical system and then execute a malicious piece of software.
Car makers need to ensure that making this effort, especially on a large scale, is not economically viable for any person or entity.
The future of Cars Depends On It
Car makers need to make sure that they are paying serious attention to the security of their cars. Lapses in security here will have some very public and graphic real world consequences with the possibility of grave bodily harm, chaos in the streets and a complete loss of trust in connected cars.
Incidents with the Autopilot system have shown that people are not willing to accept any chance that a machine might be responsible for the loss of human life and even though hacking requires human intervention if a few major incidents happen, the entire class of vehicles will be looked upon as potential killers on the road.
