The automotive world has already felt the reality of cyber vulnerabilities, and the incidents are enough to make all stake older situp. In 2015, two researchers exposed the vulnerablity of connected vehicles by remotely hacking into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Through the Uconnect infotainment system, they gained control over key functions of the vehicle, from changing the temperature and radio station to something much darker, slowing down and even stopping the car. This breach was not just a scare; it affected over a million vehicles and forced a massive recall, drawing the industry’s attention to the very real risks of connected cars.
But that was just the beginning. In 2019, Regulus Cyber researchers demonstrated how a Tesla Model 3’s GPS could be hijacked. They sent fake GPS signals to the car, not only diverting it to the wrong location but also tracking its movements in real time. This vulnerability raised alarming questions about privacy and safety. And if that was not enough, they also proved how easy it was to disable Tesla Vehicles Autopilot feature, an essential layer of modern driving assistance
Then, in late 2023, three German researchers took the stakes even higher. They uncovered a shocking flaw in Tesla’s Autopilot system that allowed them to access an ‘Executive Mode’ via a tool that altered the vehicle’s voltage. This mode, which allows Tesla vehicles to bypass speed and range restrictions, was initially reserved for Elon Musk and a few select guests. The researchers discovered this hidden mode by digging into the vehicle’s source code, sparking a major security breach in one of the most advanced driver-assistance systems. What if this mode was accessed by hackers?
These high-profile hacks are not just cautionary tales, they are a wake-up call for an entire industry on its way toward an inevitable future dominated by software-defined vehicles (SDVs). As cars transform into self-driving, data-collecting, AI-powered machines, the stakes for cybersecurity have never been higher. Today’s vehicles are no longer just engines and wheels; they’re rolling computers, managing complex software systems that govern everything from braking to navigation. With every new technology, SDVs become more vulnerable to hackers with malicious intent. A breach in security does not just jeopardize data, it puts lives at risk.
How do we protect our future ‘computers on wheels’ from becoming mobile cyber traps? The solution begins with industry- wide cybersecurity standards like ISO/SAE 21434, which act as a blueprint for automakers to secure every line of code and every vehicle sensor. These standards provide manufacturers with a clear path for building secure vehicles, ensuring that cybersecurity is not an afterthought but a fundamental part of design.
AI is stepping up as a game-changer in automotive security. Think of it as a digital guardian, constantly monitoring the vehicle for suspicious activity and using machine learning to predict potential cyber threats before they occur. With AI-powered intrusion detection systems, SDVs can respond to attacks in real time, adapting to new threats as they emerge. It is like giving your car a sixth sense, evolving alongside hackers and ensuring it is always one step ahead.
As India races towards becoming the third-largest automotive market by 2026, the nation is witnessing a surge in connected vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems. With this expansion, however, comes a new shadow of cyber threats. India, with its increasing fleet of connected vehicles, cannot overlook the estimated 300 per cent rise in global vehicle cyber incidents. Cybersecurity must be embedded within the foundation of automotive innovation in India to protect consumers, ensure vehicle safety, and safeguard the country’s rapid automotive evolution.
Addressing automotive cybersecurity is a journey, and like the early concerns over vehicle safety when cars first hit the roads, we must overcome these new digital challenges. As the automotive industry forges ahead with new technologies, continuous innovation, and a firm commitment to security are essential to ensuring a safe, digital road for the future.
Anuj Sinha
CEO & Director
Future Mobility Media