Cybersecurity in the increasing number of connected vehicles will be explored by a new partnership that includes digital identity expert Intercede, transport engineering R&D centre MIRA and automotive systems specialists Plextek.
The group said that it is “critical” that car components can communicate with each other and only the driver can control the vehicle.
Chris Reeves, Commercial Manager for Intelligent Mobility at MIRA, commented: “Ensuring the safety and security of connected vehicles is crucial given the potential consequences if criminals perform a successful hack. By joining this collaboration, we are seeking to address this potential threat and identify security best practice to mitigate against the associated risks.”
There is a growing consumer appetite for connected cars, with three out of four consumers telling Telefónica earlier this year they were interested in the technology.
A separate report from AT&T Drive Studio and Ericsson found half of all drivers would switch car brands if a rival offered connected services.
Richard Parris, CEO of Intercede, commented: “Connected vehicles herald a new dawn in motoring and are already capturing the imagination of consumers and suppliers alike, but unfortunately this also means that the imagination of hackers and criminals will have been stimulated.
“Identity and credential management is vital in the fight against these potential security attacks. This group has been formed to ensure best practice across the whole spectrum of security is defined and in place early in the manufacturing process, with the aim of protecting road users.”
More widely, the group said it will explore how the connected car ecosystem could improve how the transport network works, thanks to concepts such as advanced propulsion and creating “cooperative” vehicles.
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