Hartford, Connecticut — A recent study from an American risk management firm seems to show that paranoia surrounding the prospect of vehicle-based cyberattacks is on the rise among U.S. drivers.
In a study conducted by Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB), a subsidiary of Munich Re, it was found that 37 percent of respondents “somewhat or very concerned about the cybersecurity and safety of connected and automated vehicles.”
Linking our devices to our vehicles is becoming more and more commonplace as time goes on, and yet “Of the 55 percent of consumers who sync smartphones or other devices, 51 percent don’t know or aren’t sure what personal information is stored in their vehicle’s entertainment system,” according to HSB’s press release from Wednesday.
“Our cars are more connected than ever,” said Timothy Zeilman, HSB’s vice president.
“It’s hard for consumers to keep up with rapidly evolving vehicle technology and they wonder if their privacy and personal information is protected.”
According to the report, one in 10 respondents claimed that they had been the victim of a cyber attack targeting their vehicle.
As well, 46 percent said that they “were very concerned a hacker might communicate with them over their audio system, perhaps to coerce them or demand a ransom payment.”
“Other top concerns were their vehicle being immobilized (25 percent very concerned), safety systems compromised (23 percent) and being locked out of their vehicle (14 percent).
“The most common technologies installed in vehicles included Bluetooth (53 percent), navigation systems (42 percent) and vehicle safety sensors (39 percent),” according to the press release.
