Cyber Threats
Cybersecurity in Cars a Consumer Concern--HSB Survey
Apart from security concerns, the survey found that consumers are worried about connected cars being immobilized and their safety systems compromised.
On April 7, 2021, The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (HSB), part of Munich Re, published a survey report of connected cars. HSB poll conducted by Zogby Analytics found that U.S. motorists are concern about possible cyber-attacks on their connected vehicles. Some of the respondents believe that a hacker could access their vehicles and confront them via their car audio systems or disable safety features.
HSB, an insurer, and provider of risk management and various IoT services, commissioned Zogby Analytics to survey over a thousand consumers in the U.S., finding out about their behaviors, experiences, and concerns regarding cyber safety. The survey has a 95% confidence level and a 2.5% margin of error.
According to the Cyber Survey, 37% of respondents were somewhat or very concern about the cybersecurity and safety of connected cars. Meanwhile, 35% expressed their fear that a virus, a hack, or any other cyber-attack could destroy their car's data, software, or operating systems.
Eleven percent of respondents also said they drive an electric car, while 50% of them were worried that charging stations could be an opening of a cyber-attack.
The survey also found that of the 55% percent of consumers with synchronized smartphones and other devices, 51% don't know or unsure what personal data is stored in their auto's entertainment systems.
More connected, more cybersecurity concerns
The poll also found that consumers were concerned about their vehicle being immobilized, safety systems compromised, and being locked out of their vehicle. Moreover, one in ten consumers reported a hacking incident or other cyber-attack had affected their vehicle- this is up by 3% from a similar HSB poll the year before.
Bluetooth (53%) is the most common technology installed in vehicles. Followed by navigation systems (42%) and vehicle safety sensors (39%).
Thirty-six percent of consumers also owned smartphone apps that connect to their vehicles, while 24% had Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots to access the internet on the road.
Connected technologies and vehicles continue to advance, with the connected car market predicted to grow to $48.77 billion by 2027, according to Fortune Business Insights.
However, the continuous advancement coupled with rising demands means more security concerns come up. It is vital for manufacturers of connected cars to identify cyber threats and vulnerabilities in order to design a cybersecurity ecosystem that can help mitigate such risks.
As a leading cybersecurity company, Trend Micro is advancing forward-looking research and solution development in the area of connected cars. Read Trend Micro's comprehensive white paper, “Cybersecurity for Connected Cars: Exploring Risks in 5G, Cloud, and Other Connected Technologies” and "A Roadmap to Secure Connected Cars", identifies and provides valuable insights into prevention techniques against security risks.