Do you know that connected cars have turned into data collection machines? The global automotive sector has become data-intensive in recent years. From smartwatches to doorbells, everything has become internet-connected. Automotive manufacturers also have entered the arena. But, does this trend lead to potential privacy issues? You might have heard about the data breach cases of Nissan. Cybercriminals stole the sensitive data of several customers. Let us learn more about data privacy problems in connected cars.
Data privacy problems in connected cars: Can a car brand’s customers control data?
The digital world and connectivity allow car manufacturers to collect data through modern connected cars. Data is no doubt essential to improve the business model. But, it may cause data protection and privacy issues.
Car manufacturers have several data collection opportunities. They obtain personal details through multiple channels. However, it has been found that most car brands allow users to have minimal or no control over data. Only a few brands enable users to remove data to adhere to regulations.
Learn about the in-vehicle data
Connected cars of different automotive brands produce up to 25 GB of data every hour. They obtain the data using the built-in sensors of vehicles. The data exits the car through cellular connections inside the car. At first, the cloud platforms or data centers (managed by OEMs) store the data.
We can classify in-vehicle data in various ways-
- Personal data connected to the car driver
- Non-personal data gathered by sensors
So, comprehensive data comprises-
- Information from a driver’s smartphone
- Driving behavior
- Journey-related information
As a driver, you can synchronize your mobile or establish a connection in a car via Bluetooth technology. This feature is available in both rental cars and private cars. It leads to a transfer of comprehensive data, including contacts, call logs, and text messages. These details reach the data storage of the vehicle. The sensitive data passes through different platforms and environments, including cloud and on-premises. Contractors and employees will easily be able to access the data from any place. The vast collection of data also increases the risk of cyberattacks.
Different risks posed by connected cars
As connected vehicles collect highly sensitive information, it is essential to ensure a high protection level. Strong security will prevent cyber warfare, ransomware, and other issues. Both hardware and software have a risk of security problems. As automotive companies consider over-the-air software updates for vehicles, hackers will try to exploit software bugs. Sometimes, attackers access the vehicles remotely to manipulate the automotive system directly.
The supply chain in the automotive world will also be at risk. If the supply chain has any weakness, the hardware and software of cars will be at risk.
But, in-vehicle data is useful to automotive brands to serve various purposes. Manufacturers can use the data to develop better autonomous cars and promote transport efficiency.
How to keep in-vehicle data secure
Data privacy has become the biggest concern in the present world. You might have heard of various data breach incidents, and privacy risks with connected vehicles are often overlooked. However, the automotive sector in Canada and other countries significantly uses data, and consequently leads to data security risks.
The evolution of smart technology, massive in-vehicle data generation, and vast network coverage lead to dynamic data volume. As there are several OEMs in the industry, data processing happens at different levels. So, it increases the risk of leaking data. But, automotive makers should know the ways to minimize the data risks.
Implementing authorization and authentication
There should be a strong authentication system to allow only authorized users to access the automotive system. User authentication and other security methods must be implemented.
Encrypt sensitive private data
Encryption technology will secure the data of customers. In case of data interception, unauthorized users cannot interpret the data.
Security-first design
Connected car designers must choose a security-oriented approach for the overall design. From penetration testing to security evaluation, everything should be done during the car development process. Automotive brands should give access to software and hardware security throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. Moreover, protecting in-vehicle networks is vital to safeguarding the processed data. Automotive manufacturers must implement cloud security services.
Update software regularly
Timely updates of vehicle software will improve security and remove bugs. Customers must be encouraged to secure their vehicles.
Intrusion Detection Systems
The innovative IDS identifies external attacks on the vehicle’s network and ECUs. It sends the signal to the Security Operations Centers of the automotive manufacturer. So, any suspicious activities inside your car will be easily detectable.
Training and education
Automotive experts and consumers should know about the ways to implement cybersecurity practices. Comprehensive training and awareness will help them avoid risks.
Security audits
It is essential to audit and check the devices linked to your vehicle’s network. Periodic audit will help you remove unauthorized devices to avoid potential security issues. Network segmentation can be implemented to keep critical systems separate from non-essential gadgets.
Use a firewall
A firewall is another advanced cybersecurity tool to inspect and manage network traffic that enters and leaves the smart cars. As the system blocks suspicious activity, you can avoid data breaches.
Restrict data collection
Be more careful about the data obtained by the vehicle’s onboard systems. Check the settings and privacy policies to identify the data collected. Opt out of the intrusive data collection processes to secure your private data.
Conclusion
The cyber threat is not always associated with your credit card and computer. Your connected vehicle can be the source of this threat. Smart cars can transform the automotive industry by ensuring safety and convenience. But, it brings different cybersecurity challenges, which cause concerns to passengers and drivers. There should be strong security technology to solve data privacy problems in connected cars. The best technology will protect the cars from cyberattacks and malware. OEMs have to develop privacy-conscious solutions for consumers.
