A new report released by the EU’s cybersecurity agency has highlighted the importance of high standards of connected vehicle security.
The ‘Good practices for the security of smart cars’ report, produced by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), details the prospective challenges which may face owners and users of connected and ‘smart’ vehicles; with a particular focus on the potential risk of cyberattacks. As the prevalence of connected, autonomous and smart vehicle technology grows, the industry is becoming increasingly aware of the need to develop comprehensive, overarching systems regulation to guard against hacks.
The report says: ‘In recent years, there has been a growing interest in autonomous cars both from end users and manufacturers and deployment of smart cars has a growing rate in the automotive market. According to a survey of 5,500 global city dwellers from all around the world, 58% of global respondents are willing to take a ride in a driverless vehicle. Acceptance rates are higher in emerging markets such as China (75%) and India (85%) than in European countries such as [the] United Kingdom (49%) and Germany (44%). However, the European economy is expected to benefit from autonomous vehicles, as EU gathers 23% of global motor vehicle production.’
ENISA’s study identifies the potential consequences of cyberattacks on connected vehicles, which can result in remote mobilisation of affected vehicles, road accidents, the loss or theft of sensitive user data, financial losses and potential danger to the safety of other drivers and road users. The report also examines existing legislation, policy and standardisation protocols aimed at integrating cybersecurity in connected vehicle technology.
ENISA Executive Director Juhan Lepassaar said: “Connected and automated mobility is a strategic priority for the EU, bringing numerous opportunities for its citizens. Making sure that cybersecurity concerns are taken into account is the role of ENISA. Today we publish a study on securing smart cars with a focus on autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. Bringing together all players and reflecting ongoing policy developments, this work aims to serve as the reference for automotive cybersecurity.”
