Software on Wheels: What Vehicle OTA Risks Teach Enterprises About Cyber Resilience
Modern vehicles are increasingly defined by software. Features that once required a visit to a dealership can now be added, repaired or modified remotely through over-the-air updates. This technology allows manufacturers to transmit software, firmware, security patches, bug fixes and other data directly to connected vehicles. Over-the-air technology can reduce the need for physical recalls and routine service appointments. It can also help manufacturers address software problems more quickly. Tesla helped popularize the approach when it began delivering OTA updates to Model S vehicles in 2012, and the technology has since spread across the automotive industry. The convenience is substantial. So are the cybersecurity questions. A recent CNBC report highlighted concerns from cybersecurity and national-security analysts who say the growing use of OTA technology expands the potential attack surface of connected vehicles. Their concerns include unauthorized access, exposure of personal...