Rising level of car tech opening door to mobile cyberattacks? Federal agency taking pre-emptive action

By Marcus Amick May 18, 2013

It seems that our craving for all those car technology features is putting us and our vehicles at risk for cybersecurity threats and potential hijackings in the future.

According to Automotive News, the fact that cars are increasingly becoming more connected to computers has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open a new office focusing on the potential car-centered security threats.

“These interconnected electronics systems are creating opportunities to improve vehicle safety and reliability, but are also creating new and different safety and cybersecurity risks,” said David Strickland, head of the NHTSA, in testimony before a Senate Commerce Committee hearing today, as reported by Automotive News. “We don’t want to be behind the eight ball.”

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, echoed Strickland’s concerns.

“As our cars become more connected — to the Internet, to wireless networks, with each other, and with our infrastructure — are they at risk of catastrophic cyber attacks?” Rockefeller asked, reports Automotive News.

NHTSA’s new office will zero in on vehicle-electronics safety and explore the risks to computer systems in cars and the ones that communicate with other vehicles.

According to the Automotive News report, the federal agency is already conducting a pilot program in Ann Arbor, Mich., involving talking-car technology intended to prevent crashes.

Strickland said future technology such as driverless or autonomous automobiles, which would enable someone to remotely control a vehicle and its functions without having physical access to the car, poses an additional security threat.

“If there is a chance of it happening, we have to address it,” Strickland stated.

The Automotive News report doesn’t note any cases where some car’s computer system has been breached. However, it all makes you wonder if our desire for all this vehicle technology is putting us at risk for some great techno-catastrophe down the road?

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.