What is Automotive Cybersecurity?

Blue Circuit Board Connected to a CPU with a Glowing Car Wi-Fi Symbol

What is automotive cybersecurity? Well, it protects vehicles’ electronic systems, communication networks, control algorithms, software, users, and underlying data against cyberattacks, unlawful access, and other threats. It is crucial because current automobiles have up to 100 ECUs that manage vital systems, including brakes, steering, and infotainment.

By 2030, 95% of cars will be connected, which may expand the attack surface. For example, researchers remotely controlled a Jeep Cherokee’s steering and braking systems to indicate its susceptibility. Hence, it highlights the necessity for solid cybersecurity. After learning “what is automotive cybersecurity,” let’s discuss common threats and improvement strategies.

Common Cybersecurity Threats in Automotive

Hacking and Unauthorized Access

The automotive industry’s biggest cybersecurity threats include hacking and illegal access. Hackers have numerous access points due to integrating many ECUs, communication modules, and related systems as automobiles digitize. These system vulnerabilities allow attackers to manipulate essential vehicle operations. For instance, hackers may use BlueBorne and KRACK attacks on the vehicle’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi components.

Once inside, they may open doors, start the engine, and disable safety systems. It raises severe hazards with the emergence of autonomous cars that use tricky software and sensors. Automobiles may have 100 million lines of code; a single weakness may allow cyberattacks.

Malware and Ransomware

Automotive cybersecurity faces escalating malware and ransomware threats. Malicious software may interrupt car systems. For example, ransomware can lock car control systems and demand a ransom for restoration. Software update vulnerabilities were highlighted after researchers attacked a Tesla Model S via its infotainment system with malware.

Over-the-air upgrades increase convenience but sometimes carry hazards. Theory suggests that a corrupted update server may send harmful updates to thousands of automobiles using cloud-connected systems. Over 17% of automotive suppliers and over 50% of the 100 top auto manufacturers are vulnerable to ransomware attacks. Furthermore, malware may enter via Bluetooth or USB-connected smartphones. Once inside, malware may propagate across the vehicle’s internal networks, damaging ADAS, GPS, and the ECU.

Data Breaches

Automotive data breaches may expose sensitive information and affect people and companies. Nowadays, automobiles store GPS, personal, and biometric data. According to a survey, over 70% of respondents are “very likely” or “likely” to share car data for free services. Telematics system and backend server vulnerabilities might also cause data leaks.

E.g., Tesla’s telematics system vulnerability gave hackers real-time car position data. Identity theft, stalking, and tracking may result from unlawful data access. Data breaches in fleet management systems may expose operational information and threaten corporate operations. GDPR and CCPA require rigid data handling and protection, yet compliance is difficult.

Remote Exploitation

Attackers breach vehicle systems remotely via remote access. Wireless communication protocols, cloud services, and internet-connected modules are vulnerable to this assault. V2V DSRC systems are an example of vulnerabilities. DSRC protocol weaknesses might be used to impair autonomous car communication, perhaps causing accidents.

Remote exploitation may also occur via corrupted backend infrastructure. For instance, SQL injection attacks on an automobile manufacturer’s backend systems can modify OTA updates. Remember, more connected vehicles mean increased remote exploitation.

Strategies for Enhancing Automotive Cybersecurity

Woman Using Smartphone to Control the Car

Secure Software Development

Automotive software development must be safe to avoid cyber threats. First, secure coding is essential throughout the software development lifecycle. Automotive software developers should use MISRA C to lessen vulnerabilities. Static code analysis tools may help find vulnerabilities early. Moreover, a secure SDL framework may also assure security throughout development. Microsoft’s SDL has reduced vulnerabilities by 50% since its launch.

Threat modeling can anticipate and resolve security challenges. Automation for CI/CD guarantees security tests are consistent. Qualys observed a 40% rise in companies using AI-driven vulnerability management solutions to cut vulnerabilities by 30%. Finally, code reviews and pair programming ensure several eyes check the code for security weaknesses.

Encryption and Authentication Methods

Automotive systems need encryption and authentication to avert data leaks. Data encryption protects GPS coordinates and user data even if intercepted. AES-256 encryption is recommended for automotive applications owing to its strong security. Data in transit between car components and external systems may be protected via TLS. Before authorizing access, authentication techniques must validate user and device identities.

MFA improves security with several verifications. It can stop 80-90% of cyberattacks. Using PKI to administer digital certificates ensures that only authorized devices may connect to the vehicle network. For example, BMW uses PKI to confirm that only valid over-the-air updates are deployed. Hardware security modules may also safeguard cryptographic keys. Such measures strengthen automotive cybersecurity to limit data breaches and unwanted access.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems

Vehicles need an Intrusion Detection System and Intrusion Prevention System to detect and mitigate real-time cyber attacks. IDSs monitor car network traffic for unusual activities, whereas IPSs block threats. More than 3700 attacks, exploits, worms, and viruses may be blocked by Cisco IOS IPS. Integrating IDS/IPS into vehicle ECUs monitors all vehicle communication. IDS can identify cyber threats in real time while monitoring CAN bus data.

Machine learning algorithms can also detect new threats and improve IDS. What is more, DDoS assaults may be prevented while monitoring network traffic and attack patterns using IDS/IPS. These systems may also record all attacks for forensic analysis and security improvements. So, IDS/IPS strengthens automobile cyber security and resilience.

Regular Security Audits and Testing

Automotive cybersecurity requires regular security assessments and testing. Thorough audits find and fix vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. Notably, security audits cut hacking attacks by 40%. Ethical hacking, or penetration testing, simulates cyber assaults to find vulnerabilities. For example, Tesla does frequent penetration testing to locate and fix car vulnerabilities. SAST/DAST tools may find code and running application vulnerabilities.

OWASP advises combining SAST and DAST for complete security testing. A vulnerability management program tracks and fixes problems quickly. Software patches and upgrades are necessary because unpatched systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks. NIST promotes timely patch management in its cybersecurity architecture. Further, continuous monitoring and incident response plans help firms swiftly notice and treat security events for less harm.

Collaboration with Cybersecurity Experts

Collaboration with cybersecurity specialists improves automotive cybersecurity. Accessing experts’ knowledge and abilities may enhance security. E.g., partnering with automotive cybersecurity provider Cybellum may help detect and manage hazards. Cybellum’s risk assessment tool finds real-time vehicle software vulnerabilities for complete security. Working with outside experts also promotes industry knowledge exchange and best practices.

Industry consortia like the Auto-ISAC help manufacturers establish and implement cybersecurity standards. Apart from that, working with government agencies and regulators promises compliance with developing cybersecurity laws, including UNECE R155 and R156. Attending cybersecurity conferences and seminars may also boost internal teams’ cybersecurity skills to encourage continual progress. Henceforth, cybersecurity experts help the automobile sector keep ahead of new threats and secure connected vehicles.