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The double-edged sword of connected cars and cybersecurity

 

OT Security

With new improvements in the field of automotive technology, cars have become more digitized. The concept of connected technology has enabled new in-vehicle capabilities, for example, over-the-air (OTA) updates and features-on-demand (FOD). As we maneuver along the track and appreciate the automotive industry’s benefits, we often seem to impedimental by ever-increasing cybersecurity threats.

The automotive industry is speeding up with connected technological updates. Cars have appealing hardware along with intelligent software to exploit the technology like never before. These cars explore the automotive industry via well-defined software for better user interaction along with digitally packed hardware to ensure proper functionality. Both the hardware and software collectively are known as firmware. The firmware is contextually referred to as “operational technology” (OT). OT security is of prime importance for the automotive industry.

The cars are loaded with technological wonders, for example, voice assistants, to make driving enjoyable and have an unforgettable experience. Some of the famous brands provide such services to their owners via OTA updates. Similarly, there are brands that enable their clients with in-car range assistant apps for enhancing efficiency, eco-climate apps to optimize power demand, and apps to improve battery performance in cars.

Like OTA, FOD is yet another connected technology that has taken the automotive industry way ahead of its time. With FOD, you can modify the car’s design, development, and the way vehicle manufacturers visualize the vehicle before it actually materializes with surprisingly extra features. The basic concept of connected technology enables several upgrades with improved range, over-the-top connectivity, better efficiency, and a mesmerizing driving experience.

The role of the manufacturers is to control the device management software (DMS) and update the hardware as per the latest advancements. Programs are updated accordingly to provide new features, make improvements, and manage bugs. DMS is uploaded to a cloud-based server and shared with the owners through a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

While advancing automotive technology enables features based on connected technology, these advancements also foster new attack opportunities. There is a rapid growth in cybersecurity threats against the automotive industry. These threats are a big risk not only for the car manufacturers but also forfleet operators and insurers. Recent surveys by cybersecurity solution providers show the associated cybersecurity risks of upgrading DMS, resulting in compromised systems. The investigations depict numerous incidents wherein cybersecurity was mismanaged, leading to exploited owners.

The automotive sector is looking for better opportunities in terms of smart mobility ecosystems, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), subscription services, and third-party mobile applications. However, all these opportunities must be complimented with proper risk management to secure personal safety as well as sensitive data. There has been tremendous growth in infrastructural attacks in another major and upcoming sector, viz., electric-vehicle (EV) infrastructure. These attacks were largely encountered at the charging points.

The systems are found to be vulnerable while managing the potential revenue processes for the automotive sector. It is largely due to the involvement of application programming interfaces (APIs) between different pieces of software. There is an exponential increase in these API attacks, too.

There is a range of groups popularly known as “hats”. They are primarily responsible for all the attacks against connected automotive systems. They are further categorized as white, black, and grey hats. The white hats plug cybersecurity gaps, the black hats exploit vulnerabilities, and the grey hats are a link between the white and black hats. At times, the owners’ hackers also try to unlock certain features within their vehicles.

The car manufacturers have realized the cybersecurity threats and implemented various regulations and standards. These implementations are vital for the effective management of OT security. It highlights the need for standard operating procedures (SOPs) for a high standard of cybersecurity analysis. As a result, automotive companies must plan and manage the double-edged sword of connected cars and cybersecurity.


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