Internet Security and Your Car

2016 is the year we’re supposed to see an increase in cyberattacks against cars. That’s right, you read it correctly: cyberattacks on your car.

This is due to the increasing number of cars that can connect to the internet. The cars with this capability do not have internet security precautions, according to a McAfee Labs report that was published in November of last year.

The report stated that in 2020, 220 million cars will be on the road that are connected to the internet. The report estimated that this year, 12% of all cars will be connected to the internet.

“Connected vehicles will have over a dozen potential attacks surfaces, including multiple electronic control units and wireless devices, some with the ability to control critical functions from long distances,” the report states.

With tools like “automatic identification of traffic signals, congestion and accidents; a system that allows the passenger to stop the car; front/rear end collision alarm warning; night vision capability; a fatigue warning device; and access to social media” in a car, the dangers of these tools can be as harmful as they are helpful. With the internet slowly seeping into our cars, drivers will need a car that is capable of protecting its passengers from the inside, as well as the outside.

So how do you protect your car from cyber attacks? McAfee released a whole 17 page report on how, that you can read here: http://www.mcafee.com/ca/resources/white-papers/wp-automotive-security.pdf

If you want to read the full report on the threat of cyberattacks to automobiles, you can find it here: http://www.mcafee.com/ca/resources/reports/rp-threats-predictions-2016.pdf

Happy and safe driving!