The growing threat of cyberattacks in the automotive sector

In the digital age, vehicles, especially those with sophisticated electronic systems, are becoming increasingly exposed to the risks of cyber attacks. The threat is not just limited to electric cars, but also extends to modern sedans and utility vehicles, which are capable of being hacked. This danger arises from the evolution of automotive technology, with critical vehicle systems managed by microchips for more than two decades. A New York Times investigation reveals that an average sedan incorporates about three thousand chips of 40 different types, from microcontrollers to more advanced processors.

The complexity of vehicle electronic systems opens the door to hackers

The variety and complexity of microcontrollers and more advanced systems installed in automobiles provide a wide range of opportunities for hackers. They can experiment with new techniques to understand how these systems work and discover points of vulnerability. Research has shown that chips used in the automotive industry often lack adequate security measures, making cars easy targets. Ethical hackers have identified several vulnerabilities in prestigious car brands such as Ferrari, BMW, Rolls Royce and Porsche.

Cyber threats to car manufacturers and owners

The threat is not just limited to vehicles, it also extends to the management systems used by automakers. Hackers can hack BMW, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Spireon websites, take over user accounts, obtain chassis and serial numbers of purchased models, create bogus company accounts and make changes. According to cybersecurity researcher Sam Curry, it is possible to remotely activate various models of Kia, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan and Acura, or control various features of Mercedes, Hyundai and Genesis.

The future of vehicle safety

The car is one of the most widespread and used means of transport in the world. However, due to their life cycle of more than ten years, vehicles often do not receive software updates to fix discovered vulnerabilities. This, combined with the ease of access to their electronic systems, makes modern cars an attractive target for hackers. For example, 230 of the 237 keyless car models in Germany can be opened with a relay attack. The problem of insecurity of modern cars is bound to get worse as new models get older without receiving safety patches. This is a challenge that the automotive industry urgently needs to address to ensure the safety of its vehicles and customers.