Automobile computers have become a bigger aspect of a driver's overall experience on the road. GPS, infotainment modules, electronic information, touch screen dashboards and voice commands are part of newer, more advanced late models that roll off the assembly line. With this extra technology comes dangers that wireless hackers can take over facets of the car by remote control.
Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., claims automakers are not protecting drivers from wireless hackers. Markey said automobile computers can be hacked into thanks to mobile devices, and perpetrators can cause cars to suddenly turn, accelerate, sound the horn and turn off headlights. People can even alter gas gauge and odometer readings with the right hack.
The era of internal combustion engines is gone, and drivers now sit behind the wheel of a huge network of automobile computers. Contemporary cars have as many as 50 electronic units that monitor tire pressure, stability controls, navigation systems and cruise control. Keyless entry, remote starters, Internet access and cellphone connectivity also come standard on most new cars.
Automobile computers collect data on people's driving habits and they make reports to manufacturers, consumers and third parties in order to enhance the overall driving experience. Half of automakers say cars collect data and transmit that information elsewhere using wireless networks. Often, these downloads involve third parties that may have different privacy standards than wireless networks.
Despite all these connections cars make to the outside world, there is no universal standard for protecting drivers' data. In November 2014, 19 major manufacturers agreed to discuss principles to protect privacy of consumers. Voluntary standards are in the works among manufacturers of automobile computers.
A few issues remain. Who is ultimately responsible if a car gets hacked? Can automakers be sued, or are the manufacturers of the computer systems held liable? Are there laws that can punish hackers for breaking into cars' systems? Trade organizations that discuss protecting consumers create a starting point. However, consumers need to ask about actual technology being developed to prevent hacking. Something as simple as a PIN to access a car's computer may help prevent someone from taking over or altering an automobile's systems.
Computers in cars have taken driving to new levels. Google's famed self-driving car can revolutionize safety, prevent accidents and save lives. Sensors, cameras and on-board computers can make decisions faster than humans based on data received by the vehicle's processors. As computers for cars become cheaper, smaller and more advanced, the potential for saving money on car insurance becomes even more attractive to consumers.
The need for transparency among automakers to protect drivers from hackers has become a new issue within the industry. Security firms, computer manufacturers and automakers can all benefit by becoming the first to offer protection against hackers for automobile computers. Consumers get peace of mind while innovators get a bigger piece of the huge automotive pie in the process.
Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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