The automotive industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, and with the rise of technology, cars have become more innovative, faster, and safer. However, this has also led to increased cyber threats, making automotive security a growing concern.
The good news is that car manufacturers are already working hard on developing car security systems that will make it much harder for criminals to steal or take control of a vehicle.
In addition to these high-tech solutions, car manufacturers are exploring other ways to enhance automotive security. For example, some companies are experimenting with new materials that can withstand break-ins and theft attempts. Others are developing smart keys that can communicate with the car’s computer system and automatically lock and unlock doors based on proximity.
Advanced security features, such as real-time monitoring, allow for constant surveillance of a vehicle’s systems to detect and address potential threats. Remote access control enables car owners to lock or unlock their vehicles from a distance, while over-the-air updates (OTA) ensure that the vehicle’s software is always up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Connected car technology has brought about many benefits, from improved vehicle safety to enhanced user convenience.
However, it’s important to be aware that these features can also create vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit for malicious purposes. As reported in the Guardian in 2016, researchers from Keen Security Lab demonstrated just how easy it is for hackers to remotely control a Tesla Model S from a distance of 12 miles.
They were able to interfere with the car’s brakes, door locks, dashboard computer screen, and other electronically controlled features. The hack targeted the car’s controller area network (CAN BUS), which is essentially the collection of connected computers found inside every modern vehicle that control everything from its indicators to its brakes.
With innovative technologies and materials being developed at a rapid pace, we can expect to see a significant increase in the fortification of automotive defense and a reduction in car thefts. Until then, It’s crucial that we stay informed about these potential risks and take steps to protect ourselves and our vehicles. Read Also: Driverless Cars: Levels of Autonomy
Cutting Edge Technology Overview
With advanced technology integration into vehicles, the automotive industry has made significant strides in enhancing the driving experience. However, these technological advancements have also made cars potentially susceptible to the type of attacks already mentioned. To combat this, automotive manufacturers have developed cutting-edge technologies that are changing the face of automotive security.
Some of the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed include:
- Biometric authentication: Biometric solutions are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. Biometric systems use unique physical or behavioral traits to verify the driver’s identity, enhancing security. Biometric authentication uses unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints or iris scans to verify the driver’s identity and prevent unauthorized access.
- Facial recognition: Facial recognition technology can detect and recognize faces, allowing for enhanced security measures. This technology uses cameras to detect and recognize faces and then compares them to a database of the driver’s known faces.
- Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence is also being used to detect and prevent cyber-attacks by analyzing data and identifying potential threats. The technology has gone way beyond being advised to ‘step away from the vehicle.’ Read also: AI in Cybersecurity: The Future of Hacking is Here
Overall, these advanced technologies are revolutionizing automotive security and paving the way for a safer driving experience.
Revolutionary Cybersecurity Measures
Did you know that modern cars are more connected now than ever before? While this is great for convenience, it also means there’s a lot more software involved. In fact, some Ford F-150 trucks have up to a whopping 150 million lines of code! But don’t fret; this just means our cars are getting smarter and more advanced. So let’s embrace this exciting technology and focus on keeping our cars secure. After all, who doesn’t love a smart and secure ride?
As technology advances and more lines of code are integrated into our vehicles, it’s crucial to prioritize cybersecurity measures. This not only ensures our safety while driving but also protects pedestrians in close proximity.
According to a Consumer Watchdog report dated July 2019, it was predicted that by 2022 more than two-thirds of new cars on US roads will have online connections to their safety-critical systems, putting them at risk of deadly hacks to vehicles’ ‘head’ systems, used primarily for infotainment, GPS navigation, and other features.
In order to defend against hacks such as those identified in the Consumer Watchdog report, car manufacturers have developed revolutionary security defenses to protect vehicles from internet-based threats. These measures include firewalls, encryption, and secure boot.
In the automotive industry, firewalls are a crucial cybersecurity measure used to protect vehicles from cyber threats. A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
When it comes to keeping our cars safe from cyber threats, firewalls are the unsung heroes. These digital barriers create a protective shield around the Car Area Network (CAN), which is basically the car’s internal network. By doing so, they keep the bad guys out – whether it’s hackers from the internet or snoops from other vehicles. This means your car’s precious systems and data stay secure and sound, just like they should be.
Encryption is used in wireless communication between vehicles and in-vehicle systems to prevent hackers from intercepting and manipulating data. Secure boot ensures that only trusted software is loaded onto a vehicle’s electronic control units during startup, preventing malicious code from being executed and detecting any unauthorized changes made to the system. These measures enhance automotive security by preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle’s systems and data.
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology is a revolutionary system that allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians. This cutting-edge technology provides drivers with real-time information about potential dangers on the road, making driving a safer experience. V2X technology is a promising development in the automotive industry that enhances vehicle security and improves the overall driving experience.
Groundbreaking Surveillance and Sensor Systems
Surveillance and sensor systems are essential in ensuring the safety of vehicles. These systems can detect potential dangers and alert drivers of possible threats.
An example of these systems is the lane departure warning system, which uses cameras to detect when a vehicle is drifting out of its lane and alerts the driver with either a haptic warning via the steering wheel or an audible or visual warning. This system has been proven to reduce accidents caused by lane drifting, making it an essential feature in modern vehicles.
Another example is the blind spot monitoring system, which uses sensors to detect when a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot. It warns the driver and prevents accidents caused by sudden lane changes.
The forward collision warning system is another groundbreaking technology that uses sensors to detect when a vehicle is approaching another vehicle too quickly. This system alerts the driver with an audible or visual warning, giving them time to react and prevent a collision.
Finally, the parking assist system is a game-changer for drivers who struggle with parallel parking. This system uses sensors to detect available parking spaces and assists the driver in maneuvering into the space safely.
These groundbreaking surveillance and sensor systems have significantly improved the safety and security of vehicles on our roads. With these technologies in place, drivers can feel more confident and secure while on the road.
Here are a few more security measures built into vehicles:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver monitoring (fatigue)
- Road sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Anti-locking Brake system (ABS)
- Traction & Skid control
The Strength and Vulnerability of Glass
As well as enhancing vehicle security to protect against cyber attacks, we still need to consider those posed by physical threats, such as smash-and-grab opportunists and everyday road traffic accidents (RTAs).
For many years, car manufacturers have used tempered or toughened glass for windshields. While it’s still commonly used for side and back windows, newer materials are gradually replacing it. However, tempered glass is still a popular choice for safety reasons. In case of an emergency, passengers can break through the glass to escape if the vehicle is submerged in water. Tip: All you need to do is remove the headrest from the top of the car seat and strike the glass with the pointed end of the metal rods.
Unfortunately, this type of glass is easily breakable by thieves using tools like a spring-loaded center punch. Thieves will smash a car window and take anything on display, a handbag, sunglasses, your in-car entertainment system (ICE), just about anything that isn’t fastened down or hidden away, out of sight.
But don’t worry; there’s a solution! You can install security window films on your vehicle’s glass to provide protection against smash-and-grab, road rage attacks, vandalism, and theft. Not only that, but it also offers added safety in case of a vehicle accident.
If you’re looking for a reliable way to protect your vehicle, security films might just be the answer. While they’re not invincible, they can hold up against a range of tools, including hammers, bricks, baseball bats, spark plugs, and metal punches. In fact, some high-end vehicles even come equipped with this type of film as standard.
Hi-tech materials are being created that are stronger and lighter than steel. These new materials can be synthesized in sheets thinner than human hair. The new material is a Polymer called 2DPA-1, which can be used in everything from cars to airplanes. As well as applications such as car body panels, the new materials can also be used for car parts such as bumpers and dashboards. The material’s structure makes it impermeable to gas and water, so it can be used to protect metal and steel from corrosion.
Conclusion
The latest advances in automotive security have revolutionized the industry, providing consumers with safer and more secure vehicles. While there are still challenges to overcome, the future of automotive security looks promising, with technology continuing to drive innovation.
With the development of innovative technologies and materials, we can expect to see even more improvements in the years to come. From groundbreaking surveillance and sensor systems to security window films, there are numerous ways to protect your vehicle from physical and cyber threats. By implementing these safety measures, drivers can now experience a heightened sense of assurance and peace of mind while cruising on the road. So buckle up and get ready to drive into a safer and more secure future!
