Connected Vehicles Use the Internet, Does That Make Them Hackable?

The Internet-enabled vehicle segment in India is set to grow in the coming years but there are concerns about it.

Cars like MG Hector support the internet to offer a slew of features.

(Photo: The Quint)

Before we talk about the prospects of 5G launching in India, it’s worth taking a closer look at the connect vehicles ecosystem. This is already available via telecom operators, who’ve partnered with two-wheeler as well as four-wheeler companies.

This is nothing but cars and bikes running on fuel or electric charge but getting extensive support through the internet, providing convenience that we haven’t seen before. Ather, the electric scooter is one such company in this space and now you have another brand Revolt that looks to offer accessible products to the consumer.

Having said that, just like every other device running on the internet, these connected cars and bikes also carry a sense of vulnerability, which could be preyed upon by hackers.

The connected ecosystem lets the user, sitting inside a car, get access to music from his app or the internet, get information about the condition of their car.

But that’s not all, if the person meets with an accident, the car will directly report the mishap to the company, who will then send back up to fix or even get the car picked up.

However, on the hindsight, the more a vehicle is connected to the internet, its vulnerability issues can lead to attacks on every available feature.

This is where, VIshal Bajpai, Founder and CEO of SecureThings pointed that just like every PC or smartphone, these internet-enabled cars will need software support for additional security.

And his company is looking to offers its security solutions to automotive companies, who can integrate them to make these connected cars secure. With brands like Revolt, MG Motors and Kia Motors among others entering this space with aggressive intent, we’re hopeful that security is part of their product strategy in the connected vehicles segment.