In an era where vehicles are increasingly integrated with cutting-edge technology, the cybersecurity of connected cars has emerged as a critical concern for drivers and manufacturers alike, raising urgent questions about safety in a digital age. RunSafe Security’s recently released Connected Car Cyber Safety & Security Index, presented at the ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology Summit North America, offers a sobering glimpse into the anxieties surrounding digital vulnerabilities in modern automobiles. Drawing from a survey of 2,000 connected car owners across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, the report uncovers widespread fears about the potential for cyberattacks to cause real-world harm. As cars evolve into what many describe as “computers on wheels,” the risks associated with remote hacking and software flaws are no longer abstract but tangible threats to safety. This growing unease among consumers raises pressing questions about whether the automotive industry is keeping pace with these digital challenges and how it can rebuild trust in an increasingly connected world.
Growing Fears Over Vehicle Security
The findings of the latest survey paint a stark picture of consumer distrust in the cybersecurity of connected vehicles, revealing a significant gap between expectation and reality. Only 19% of respondents express strong confidence that their cars are safeguarded against digital attacks, a statistic that underscores a pervasive sense of vulnerability. Even more concerning is that 76% of drivers fear these attacks could result in accidents or pose direct threats to their well-being. This shift in perception elevates cybersecurity from a mere technical concern to a critical safety issue, with many viewing their vehicles as potential targets for malicious interference. The urgency of this matter is clear as drivers grapple with the idea that a breach could have catastrophic consequences on the road, pushing the need for robust protective measures to the forefront of automotive priorities.
Beyond the lack of confidence, the survey highlights a profound emphasis on physical safety over other considerations among connected car owners. A striking 79% of participants prioritize protection from physical harm over securing personal data stored within their vehicles, indicating where their deepest concerns lie. This focus on bodily safety reflects a broader recognition that cyberattacks on cars are not just about privacy breaches but about preventing life-threatening scenarios. For many, the notion of a hacker gaining control over critical systems like brakes or steering is a chilling possibility that overshadows other risks. This mindset challenges automakers to rethink their approach, ensuring that safety features are not only technologically advanced but also fortified against digital intrusions, as consumer trust hinges on addressing these fundamental fears.
Cybersecurity Shaping Consumer Choices
As cybersecurity concerns mount, they are increasingly influencing how consumers approach vehicle purchases, transforming security into a key market driver. An overwhelming 87% of surveyed drivers state that strong protective features play a pivotal role in their decision-making when selecting a car, signaling a shift in priorities within the automotive landscape. Moreover, 35% are willing to pay a premium for enhanced security measures, suggesting that manufacturers could turn this concern into a revenue opportunity. This trend indicates that cybersecurity is no longer a hidden cost but a competitive differentiator that can sway buyers, compelling companies to invest in and market their protective capabilities as a core selling point in a crowded market.
The impact of these concerns extends beyond individual purchases to affect brand loyalty and long-term consumer behavior in significant ways. According to the survey, 37% of respondents would consider switching to a different manufacturer if their preferred brand were found to have cybersecurity vulnerabilities, highlighting the fragility of trust in this domain. Additionally, 70% of drivers are so worried about digital risks that they would contemplate opting for older, less connected vehicles to minimize exposure. This avoidance behavior underscores a deep-seated fear that could reshape market dynamics, pushing automakers to address security flaws proactively or risk losing substantial market share to competitors who prioritize digital safety in their offerings.
Push for Clarity in Software Origins
A notable theme emerging from the survey is the strong consumer demand for transparency regarding the software that powers connected vehicles, reflecting a broader mistrust in the industry’s complex supply chains. A remarkable 83% of drivers want automakers to disclose the origins of the software used in their cars, seeking assurance about the integrity of these critical components. Additionally, 77% recognize third-party software as a potential entry point for cyberattacks, pointing to a widespread concern about unseen vulnerabilities. This call for openness suggests that consumers are not just passive users but active stakeholders who demand insight into the digital frameworks of their vehicles, urging manufacturers to adopt greater accountability.
Compounding these concerns is the unease surrounding advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, which are increasingly integrated into modern cars but often sourced externally. An overwhelming 85% of respondents report heightened anxiety about cybersecurity risks when AI features are developed by outside companies, revealing deep skepticism about the reliability of such systems. This apprehension highlights a critical challenge for the industry: ensuring that innovation does not outpace security. As vehicles become more reliant on sophisticated software and external partnerships, automakers must address these consumer fears by establishing rigorous standards and providing clear information about how digital components are secured against potential threats.
Tangible Dangers and Industry Imperatives
The fears articulated by connected car owners are grounded in real-world examples that demonstrate the severe consequences of cybersecurity lapses in vehicles. Historical incidents, such as the 2015 hack of a Jeep Cherokee where researchers remotely disabled brakes on a highway, serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by digital vulnerabilities. More recent threats, like the “PerfektBlue” Bluetooth flaw that left millions of cars open to remote access, further validate these concerns. With 65% of drivers believing remote hacking is a feasible risk, the perception of vehicles as potential targets for malicious actors is no longer speculative but a pressing reality that demands immediate attention from the automotive sector.
Industry leaders have also sounded the alarm on the potential for compromised vehicles to be weaponized, emphasizing the high stakes involved in securing connected cars against digital threats. The notion of cars becoming “mobile weapons” in the hands of hackers is a chilling prospect that amplifies the urgency for robust defenses. This reality places immense pressure on automakers to prioritize cybersecurity with the same rigor applied to traditional safety systems, as failure to do so could have dire consequences for public safety and brand reputation. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between consumer awareness, which has surged, and industry response, which often lags, to ensure that technological advancements do not come at the expense of security.
Building a Secure Path Forward
Reflecting on the insights from RunSafe Security’s comprehensive survey, it becomes evident that consumer concerns about connected car cybersecurity have reached a critical juncture, demanding urgent action from the industry. The pervasive lack of trust, coupled with fears of physical harm over data breaches, paints a picture of an industry that has yet to fully address the gravity of digital risks. Drivers have made it abundantly clear that transparency, accountability, and robust security are non-negotiable elements of their expectations from automakers. Moving forward, the industry must take decisive steps to integrate advanced cyber protections into vehicle design, ensuring that safety remains paramount. Collaborating with regulators to establish stringent standards and openly communicating software origins can help rebuild trust. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, investing in innovative security solutions and prioritizing consumer safety will be essential to prevent vehicles from becoming liabilities on the road, setting a foundation for a safer, more connected future.
