JLR Cyber-Attack Highlights Urgent Need for Automotive Cybersecurity
NTT Ltd., a global technology and business solutions provider, published a research project in August 2022, highlighting the concern of 49% of car drivers about vehicle hacking. This alarming statistic comes amidst a backdrop of increasing cyber threats and data breaches in the automotive industry, with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) being the latest victim of a major cyber-attack.
The JLR cyber-attack, which occurred at the end of August, disrupted global production and retail operations, leading to prolonged factory shutdowns and supply chain disturbances. Some data was confirmed to have been compromised during the incident, which is still under investigation. This attack underscores the need for OEMs to meet global compliance standards and safeguard sensitive customer data through strong encryption, secure cloud infrastructure, and secure over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Experts warn that the future of automotive cybersecurity will involve more sophisticated attacks and stricter regulations. Dave Kelly, Chief Corporate Officer at Cubic3, a company specializing in secure, cloud-based solutions, believes that OEMs' inability to protect customers from cyber-attacks could erode consumer trust in connected vehicles and slow adoption. To ensure safety, OEMs should select experienced connectivity partners, integrate cybersecurity into the software development lifecycle, and use connectivity for AI-driven threat analysis and automated scanning. The Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is likely to become standard practice, ensuring visibility into every component in the supply chain.
The JLR cyber-attack incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures in the automotive industry. As connected vehicles become more prevalent, so too will the need for robust security measures. OEMs must prioritize consumer trust by giving drivers control over their data and implementing strong cybersecurity protocols to protect against increasingly sophisticated threats.
