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Cars are getting “smarter” and people planning to use these vehicles want them to have good cybersecurity in place, according to a new report from BlackBerry.
The report, commissioned by the White House, was designed to learn more about people’s thoughts on Internet of Things (IoT) devices and cybersecurity for such devices, in preparation for the launch of a cybersecurity labeling program for IoT devices (opens in new tab)such as smart speakers and door cameras, by 2023.
The program, similar to the EnergyStar program that tells consumers how much energy a gadget uses, would tell consumers more about the level of security embedded in IoT devices.
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BlackBerry surveyed more than 1,000 people and found that three-quarters (74%) agree: Connected cars and electric vehicle charging stations should be rated based on the level of built-in cybersecurity.
Elsewhere in the report, only half (54%) of respondents found that their IoT devices are being hijacked and used as endpoints in things like botnets or ransomware attacks.
In addition, a third (32%) said they owned IoT devices and kept them disconnected due to cybersecurity concerns. Still, 82% agree – a cybersecurity rating like this would be helpful.
The research doesn’t guarantee the program will include smart cars in its labeling program, but the White House polling public opinion on the topic can point the direction of the project.
The inclusion of smart cars in the program would certainly be welcome, as reports of smart cars being hacked, with potentially dangerous consequences, is nothing new.
In February 2020, cybersecurity experts McAfee published their own report (opens in new tab) warning that a vehicle’s artificial intelligence (AI) systems could be manipulated, potentially affecting the future and safety of autonomous vehicles.
The process, which McAfee calls “model hacking,” can completely ignore the software systems in vehicles. The constant evolution of AI technology and smart cars themselves makes model hacking a problem that will plague smart car owners for years to come.
We may not see the full impact on “model hacking” until then, as the technology for autonomous vehicles is still in its infancy and the beta technology that Tesla offers to consumers, for example, is far from reaching the mainstream.
While we may not need to worry too much right now, an awareness of the risks of smart cars should prepare us for the future, and the White House’s planned program should help.
Through: Ars Technica (opens in new tab)