In today's society, where technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives, it's vital to consider cybersecurity in all areas, including the automotive sector. With advances in connectivity and the development of autonomous vehicles, it's essential to ensure our cars are protected against potential digital attacks. In this article, we'll explore the importance of cybersecurity in vehicles and how we can protect ourselves from digital threats.
The importance of cybersecurity in vehicles
- Control and supervision of engine operation , managing fuel injection fuel or acting on each electric motor in the case of EVs.
- Chassis control by monitoring ABS (anti-lock braking system), TCS (control of traction) and ESC (electronic stability control) among other systems.
- Infotainment and connectivity systems , including touchscreens, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, access to online services, etc.
- Driver assistance systems , such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, etc.
- Security and access control systems , including access control Remote Entry and Start (RKE).
- On-board diagnostics that helps in fault detection and generation error codes for the workshop.
- Power management , managing battery charge and power distribution energy between electrical systems.
- Integration of information received by sensors, such as those of speed, temperature, fuel level, tire pressure, etc.
UNECE Vehicle Cybersecurity Regulations
Such is the importance of cybersecurity in vehicles that the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe proposed two regulations related to this topic back in 2020 , specifically:- Proposal for a new United Nations Regulation on Uniform Provisions concerning the Approval of Vehicles with Respect to Cybersecurity and the Cybersecurity Management System .
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Proposal for a new United Nations Regulation on Uniform Provisions concerning the Approval of Vehicles with Respect to Software Updates and a Software Update Management System .
7 ways to improve vehicle safety
Now that we're aware of the importance of cybersecurity in vehicles, let's look at seven points to see how we can make them more secure against cyberattacks:- Keep your software up-to-date: Make sure you install the software and firmware updates provided by the vehicle manufacturer. These updates often include security patches that correct known vulnerabilities. You can check with your dealer or trusted repairer to see if updates are available.
- Use strong passwords: Change the default passwords and choose strong passwords for your vehicle's security and entertainment systems. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords, such as "123456" or "password."
- Connecting safely to Wi-Fi networks: Be cautious when connecting to public or unknown Wi-Fi networks. Avoid conducting financial transactions or sharing sensitive information while connected to these networks, as they can be access points for cybercriminal attacks.
- Disable unnecessary services: Review and disable any services or connectivity features you don't need in your vehicle. The fewer services enabled, the fewer potential entry points there are for cybercriminals.
- Protect mobile devices: Keep your mobile devices updated and protected with passwords or biometric recognition. Avoid downloading suspicious apps or apps from untrusted sources, as they may contain malware that could compromise vehicle security.
- Avoid connecting unknown external devices: Use caution when connecting external devices, such as USB drives or charging devices, to the vehicle's infotainment system . Unknown devices may contain malware or be used as access points for attacks.
- Limit personal information: Avoid storing sensitive personal information on the vehicle's infotainment system. This includes financial information, addresses, or identifying data that could be used by cybercriminals in the event of a security breach.
