Reducing Data Breaches in Automotive Technology: How to Improve Cybersecurity in Modern Automobiles
Data has become an essential tool in modern mobility, driving innovation and improving user experiences. It plays a key role in many areas of automotive technology, from navigation to vehicle performance analytics. According to a McKinsey report, 50% of new vehicles sold in 2024 are already connected in some way, and this is expected to rise to 90% by 2030.
For drivers, this connectivity ensures safety, comfort, autonomous driving, performance, infotainment and assistance services. For automakers and the automotive industry, this can also involve large volumes of data, including location information, driver behavior and performance metrics.
However, as the value of data increases, so do concerns about cybersecurity risks and leaks of critical information. Ensuring user privacy and security in an increasingly connected world depends first on protecting vehicle data.
The vulnerability of vehicle data
Today’s vehicles are sophisticated data collection machines. They record a wide range of data, including GPS positions, acceleration, braking patterns, speed, and even in-cabin activity. According to VisualCapitalist, this can range from 1.4TB to 25TB per hour.
Despite the benefits of this data, its collection and storage exposes vehicles to cyberattacks. For example, in 2015, a malicious attacker hacked a Jeep Cherokee, remotely controlling its engine and brakes. More recently, Toyota Motor Corporation revealed in 2023 that the car location data of at least 2 million customers had been exposed for a period of more than 10 years due to a misconfiguration of its cloud service.
According to the VicOne 2023 Automotive Cyberthreat Landscape Report, the growth in the use and monetization of automotive data is also contributing to a commensurate increase in the threat of exploitation by cybercriminals. An additional challenge is that more than 90% of automotive cyberattacks were not directed at OEMs, but at other companies in the supply chain.
The challenges of mobile data protection
Traditional data security models struggle to cope with the dynamic, interconnected environments of modern vehicles. The main challenge is that older models were intended for stationary, isolated systems, rather than the mobile, networked nature of today’s cars.
In contrast, vehicle data must be protected in real time across multiple networks and devices. In addition, the need to integrate third-party hardware and software adds more vulnerabilities. The need for continuous updates and repairs to address new security threats complicates matters further.
The increasing number of attacks in the automotive industry clearly shows how inadequate traditional data security models are. The dynamic nature of vehicle networks requires increasingly strong and flexible security solutions to protect sensitive data and ensure user privacy.
Innovative solutions on the horizon
This challenge requires solid and creative ideas to address the unique challenges of protecting vehicle data. Decentralization can be a good way to improve data security and privacy in the mobility sector.
At its core, blockchain technology uses transparent, tamper-proof, and secure systems. This solution ensures that no single point of failure can damage the entire system by spreading information across a network of nodes. Through this decentralized model, it addresses real-time data exchange, data integrity, and user privacy.
Unlike traditional centralized systems, decentralized platforms can manage the vast amount and velocity of automotive data through a different approach to data security. Blockchain technology’s inherent immutability and transparency ensure that data remains accurate and trustworthy, thereby reducing the risks of fraud, tampering, or manipulation.
Leading by example
Soarchain is at the forefront of using blockchain technology to build a decentralized mobility network. Its innovative approach to data security enables secure, real-time data exchanges between infrastructure, vehicles, and service providers using its Layer 1 Network.
“Soarchain’s decentralized software offers a number of improvements, such as increased privacy for personal data, interoperability between companies, data ownership, real-time data verification, greater transparency as a system, improved security, and a modular approach to provide very high scalability,” says Kerem Ozkan, co-founder of Soar Robotics.
The ability to manage and secure vehicle and mobility data leads to numerous applications that improve the user experience. “This would provide a range of different applications such as predictive vehicle maintenance, green driving, pay-as-you-drive vehicle insurance, ride-hailing, road monitoring and traffic flow management, emergency roadside assistance, smart parking, etc. It brings users smart applications, cheaper services, real-time emergency assistance, improved vehicle lifespan, wide variety and interoperability,” adds Ozkan.
By leveraging blockchain technology, Soarchain ensures the security, transparency, and protection of every data transaction. Eliminating centralized data storage helps protect user privacy and improve data integrity. The platform ensures continuous data availability and reduces the risk of cyberattacks by distributing data across multiple decentralized nodes.
Soarchain’s partnerships with major OEMs including Suzuki, Ford and Maruti aim to enhance mobility safety through V2X technology, which connects vehicles, pedestrians and infrastructure for safer roads. Collaborating with multiple stakeholders in the automotive industry ensures a safe and connected ecosystem that benefits all participants by working with vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure providers and technology companies.
The Future of Automotive Data Security
Decentralized technologies like Soarchain can revolutionize data security in automotive applications by addressing the unique challenges of safeguarding vehicle data security. These technologies are paving the way for a more reliable and secure automotive industry.
Furthermore, the broader influence of these technologies extends to connections, networks and smart city projects, where effective urban growth depends on secure data exchanges.
As the automotive industry advances, embracing decentralized solutions will be crucial to protecting user data and ensuring the privacy and security of connected vehicles.
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Image credit: Freepik
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