A recent United States senate report file by Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts revealed that despite the increasing functions and connectivity of cars, automakers failed to incorporate necessary protection to safeguard cars when it comes to cyber-attacks.
The report entitled "Tracking & Hacking: Security & Privacy Gaps Put American Drivers at Risk," was filed on Feb. 9 and opened a whole new debate whether cars are safer or not despite various technological advancements integrated into new models. Although the report was filed recently, the news about cars getting hacked has been an ongoing discussion for several years already in the security researchers' community.
Security researchers are keen on the notion that anything that communicates using wireless or remote networks is essentially vulnerable, weak or even non-existent data security which makes it a haven for potential hackers, according to Tom's Guide.
The report added that certain studies prove that malicious and commands sent over a certain cellular data network can remotely control a car and can control function such as unlocking cars doors and taking control of the cars brake or steering wheel.
The report filed by Senator Markey also included massive detailed information from 16 car manufacturers and shows extensive amount of personal driving history including specific location information like parking history and distances travelled complete with time of the travel, according to CNBC. What is more alarming is that nine of the investigated automakers use third-part companies to harvest these customer specific data.
Currently, the absence of intrusion detection system on cars makes it difficult for drivers and automakers to know when the vehicle is being hacked.
Contrast Security founder Jeff Williams said, "Every one of the systems in your car could fail and that is how you would know you were under attack. There's no way to know and in the worst case scenario you will never know you because you will be dead."