Last Updated:
Today’s modern cars are not limited to just engines and wheels, but run on computer systems connected to the Internet. But this technology can now become a big threat for car owners. A study by Swedish researchers has revealed 413 software flaws related to cars. There are some vulnerabilities in these, taking advantage of which hackers can access important systems like brakes and steering of the vehicle. Know what other shocking revelations came in the research.
Cars with internet are also a big security threat.
from sweden University of Gothenburg And Chalmers University of Technology Researchers have found in a recent study that modern Internet-connected cars contain hundreds of software flaws that could allow hackers to access vital control functions of the vehicle, even the brake system. this research Software Quality Journal Has been published in. Lead author Dr. Srijita Basu said that modern cars are no longer just machines, but a network of interconnected computer systems. Some systems handle infotainment and communications, while others are responsible for safety-related tasks like braking, steering and acceleration.
If security barriers are not sufficient, a flaw in one system may allow access to another system. According to a report by William Hunter published in the Daily Mail (Dailymail.com), between January 2022 and September 2024, 413 car-related vulnerabilities were recorded in the US National Vulnerabilities Database. The researchers stressed that these flaws do not mean that remote attack is possible in every case, but the risk is serious.
Key Findings
The researchers found that the majority of vulnerabilities (about 36.2 percent) are in external applications, such as mobile apps, web services, and cloud platforms. This is followed by system-on-chip and embedded software (about 23.5 percent). Compared to the first decade, the risk has now shifted from the systems inside the car to the digital ecosystem outside.
The proportion of critical category defects increased from 5 percent in 2019 to 16 percent in 2023-24. Web-safety issues like SQL injection are now common in the automotive sector as well. Researchers also found 827 vulnerable libraries in scanning 20 open-source projects.
this has happened before
In 2015, researchers gained control over steering and brakes through Jeep Cherokee’s infotainment system, after which the company had to recall 14 lakh vehicles. Dr. Basu told Daily Mail that such attacks are technically possible. Although they did not demonstrate brake control with the existing 413 flaws, they warned about the weakness of the safety architecture.
Tips for Drivers and OEMs
Car owners should update software promptly, use strong passwords and be cautious about vehicle-related apps. Also check privacy settings regularly. According to Dr. Basu, the real responsibility lies with the manufacturers. They should prioritize cybersecurity right from the design phase, not as a final check before release. It is important to keep safety-related systems strictly isolated from other connected systems.
About the Author
Ram Mohan Mishra is an active journalist in the automotive world of digital media and has been working continuously in the field of auto journalism since 2021. Presently he is handling the auto desk of News18 Hindi as Senior Sub-Editor.
