Automakers quizzed on cyber security methods

U.S. senators have asked some of the biggest carmakers in the world how they were able to protect their vehicles from cyber crime.

Richard Blumenthal and Edward Markey contacted 18 automakers by mail to ask how their communications technology and electronic components are tested to prevent attackers from accessing their onboard systems.

The movement comes after a review begun by Markey in late 2013 and completed earlier this year. It concluded that a  growth in connected vehicles has overtaken attempts by the government and industry in cyber attack prevention.

The letter from the two senators said:

“As vehicles become increasingly connected to the Internet, and to one another through advanced features and services, we continue to see how these technologies present vulnerabilities that can compromise the safety and privacy of drivers and passengers.”

Numerous modern cars feature literally dozens of tiny computers that operate various systems. However, as a greater number of these are able to communicate with external networks, it has resulted in increased vulnerability to cyber crime.

Security experts have said that it will probably take years for a proper solution to be found, as cars have features integrated computers for decades. Cyber security, however, has only made significant progress of late, they added.

Aside from the automotive sector, numerous other industries need to make progress to combat attempts by hackers to access their data. This is why it is so important in this day and age that companies make offering cyber security jobs a priority when it comes to IT recruitment.