4th Cybersecurity Seminar - Automotive Cybersecurity

In this seminar, we're diving into a topic that’s becoming increasingly critical in the world of modern technology: automotive cybersecurity. As cars evolve into sophisticated, interconnected machines, equipped with advanced software, wireless systems, and autonomous capabilities, they are no longer just vehicles – they are rolling computers. And just like any computer system, they’re vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The idea of hacking a car may sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it's happening right now, in the real world. From researchers remotely controlling vehicles through security loopholes to actual criminal attempts to steal cars without ever touching them, we are witnessing how cybersecurity risks can directly impact our safety on the road. Consider the famous case in 2015, when cybersecurity researchers hacked into a Jeep Cherokee's entertainment system, gaining access to critical controls like steering, braking, and acceleration – all while sitting miles away. Recently in the Kia cars, researchers discovered a way to hijack a vehicle remotely using only its license plate number. Through a series of steps, hackers were able to obtain the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN), trick Kia’s network into thinking they were the car’s rightful owner, and then seize control of the vehicle’s functions. Imagine someone locking and unlocking your doors, honking the horn at random, or even starting your engine – all without you knowing. And Kia isn’t the only target. Tesla, has also faced vulnerabilities. For instance, its phone-as-key feature – allowing owners to unlock and drive their cars via Bluetooth – was found to be susceptible to relay attacks. In one experiment, thieves were able to spoof the signal from a Tesla owner’s phone over 80 feet away, tricking the car into thinking the owner was nearby. With nothing more than cheap hardware and a bit of technical knowledge, they could open the doors and even drive away.

These examples highlight the real-world dangers posed by car hacking. As our vehicles become more connected, the need for strong automotive cybersecurity has never been more urgent. During this seminar, we’ll explore how these attacks happen, the vulnerabilities that hackers exploit, and the measures being taken to protect our vehicles. Buckle up – it’s a ride through the hidden world of automotive cyber threats that affect every driver today. 

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