Car Hacking- Is it a real threat?

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Car Hacking- A key challenge 

Car Hacking is turning out to be a real challenge in the future of the connected car segment or any modern car which is connected to the servers. Automotive cybersecurity is defined as the protection of electronic control units, communication systems, and underlying data from unauthorized sources. According to the market database, these cybersecurity protocols protect the components from malicious attacks, damages, and data manipulation. Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are an important part of the vehicle as they simplify the communication mediums in the vehicles. As per market intelligence platforms, these systems are prone to greater cyber breaches as they make use of the internet.

Market research states that cybersecurity protocols are facilitated by a mixture of software and hardware components. Hardware components are tangible components that are integrated within the vehicle body. These components deliver the relevant data of the vehicle to the central servers, failure of firewall or any security results in car hacking. Software applications support detecting deviations from standard behavior. According to the market database, these advanced components of automotive cybersecurity help to contain the entire network architecture and provide a smooth platform for digital communication. These are either integrated with the vehicular systems or are controlled through cloud architecture. These cloud-based applications are expected to capture a larger share in the market. They offer significant advantages such as remote access, quick response, increased storage, and cost-effectiveness.

ADAS & Body Control

According to the market database, the automotive cybersecurity protocols can be utilized in different use cases, these include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) & Safety, body control & comfort, infotainment, telematics, and powertrain systems. The ADAS & safety systems have held a greater share in the market. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are defined as electronic systems that assist the driver in driving and parking functions. These are one of the key safety technologies that are installed in modern vehicles. Market research states that the group of sensors and processors are required to be in constant secure communication mode. ADAS are developed to automate, adapt, and enhance vehicle systems for improved safety. Such a mix of factors has contributed towards an optimistic market outlook for automotive cybersecurity.

The body control units are described as dedicated electronic modules in vehicles that are utilized to monitor and control various electronic accessories in the vehicles. These electronic accessories may include mobile chargers, air conditioners, music systems, Bluetooth devices, and others. A cyberattack on body control units can impact the over functionality of the vehicle and require stronger protection against such attacks, else more cars could be subjected to car hacking.

 

Infotainments, Telematics, and Powertrains

In-car entertainment systems or infotainments are defined as a collection of hardware and software components that provide audio and video entertainment. These modules can be controlled manually or by voice commands. According to market research tools, infotainment systems capture a large amount of user-sensitive data and need to be protected with the appropriate mechanisms. Telematics is described as a communication technology for vehicles based on information flowing between vehicles through wireless networks. These are the usual gateways for entry for car hacking. Greater acceptance of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud technology, and 5G have accelerated the demand for secure communication channels for enhancing automotive cybersecurity.

The powertrain of a vehicle is made up of the power source and all the components that convert the engine’s power into the movement of the vehicle. According to the market database, these electronic components are prone to car hacking. Such a mix of use cases has contributed towards a positive market outlook for automotive cybersecurity applications.

 

Type of Vehicles

Market research states that the progress in automotive technology with the launch of fresh variants of vehicles such as electric, hybrid, and autonomous have led to greater demand for automotive cybersecurity applications. According to the market database, based on the type of vehicle, the market is divided into three types, passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles. Passenger vehicles have experienced a greater share in the automotive cybersecurity space. The market database suggests these vehicles are equipped with more complex Electronic Control Units (ECUs) as compared to other vehicle types. The presence of ECUs is highest for autonomous luxury vehicles to facilitate smooth operations and communication channels. These vehicles must be equipped with robust cybersecurity mechanisms. The prominent growth segment associated with this sector is the car hacking segment. Light commercial vehicles include goods carrying vans and mini trucks. These are mainly used for supply chain operations and are integrated with company chips to keep track of these vehicles. The fleet of vehicles requires a secure network environment to maintain effective communication channels avoid data leaks. Heavy commercial vehicles mainly consist of heavy trucks, construction vehicles, trailers, and buses. Market research states that autonomous heavy commercial vehicles require a complex set of components to maintain smooth operations. Automotive cybersecurity applications help to avoid car hacking.

Business Outlook- Car Hacking

There is an increased use of electronic components in the car and a greater number of electric cars have supported the growth of this automotive cybersecurity market. Market research states that several opportunities have started to emerge with the convergence of IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, blockchain, and 5G. Advancements in these supporting technologies have amplified limit car hacking.

The COVID-19 induced pandemic disrupted the automotive cybersecurity market. Major supply chain bottlenecks in terms of car manufacturing and electronic components hampered the growth of this market. As economies started to recover from the pandemic, consumer demand shifted towards personal mobility solutions along with enhanced automotive protocols. According to market research tools, many cab aggregator companies have started to incorporate autonomous cabs in their network and provide new-age mobility solutions.

The policies across the globe are now aimed towards data protection and data sharing protocols with special emphasis on cybersecurity to prevent car hacking. According to the market database, major countries have rolled out draft policies to strengthen the action plans for automotive cybersecurity. This has contributed towards a positive market outlook. For instance, recently, ISO and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) worked together to define cybersecurity standards for the automotive industry.

 The US Market Perspective Automotive Cybersecurity

A key challenge in the automotive cybersecurity market is car hacking. Market research states that this is due to the well-established technological and research infrastructure to strengthen innovation and drive wide-scale adoption. The presence of major market players in terms of automobiles and cybersecurity solution providers has boosted the growth in this region. The new age of start-ups has emerged to provide unique and robust cybersecurity solutions which can be deployed for different industry verticals. Furthermore, partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, and mergers have helped to drive business recovery in this region.

Government support in terms of relevant policies and regulations has contributed towards an optimistic market outlook in the region. In 2015, US legislation proposed the Security and Privacy in Your (SPY) Car Act. The bill was aimed to mandate critical software systems in cars to safeguard against car hacking. Global market database suggests that special measures are also undertaken by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to regulate the collection and transmission of data generated by vehicles.