WardsAuto Podcast: Why Cybersecurity is Job One with SDVs

Cyber-hacking of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is a significant concern due to the potential consequences for safety, privacy and security.

There are safety risks for owners of SDVs that are potentially more dire than they are for ICE vehicles. Hackers can potentially gain control over critical vehicle functions such as steering, braking and acceleration which can lead to accidents and injuries.

There can be malware attacks. Introducing malware into vehicle systems can disrupt normal operations, potentially leading to loss of control or other dangerous situations.

There are privacy concerns regarding data theft.  SDVs collect vast amounts of data, including location, driving habits and personal information. Hackers can steal this data for malicious purposes.

As we have seen in the past few weeks with the cyberattacks on software and data management firm CDK Global, there is a threat of ransomware for consumers as well as companies and institutions where hackers lock users out of their vehicle systems and demand payment.

This week, WardsAuto speaks with Prashant Gupta of DMI Management. He is senior director of Connected Solutions and he enlightens us about the coming age of SDVs and the changes and risks that go with them.