The automotive industry's increasing use of over-the-air (OTA) technology raises cybersecurity risks, analysts say. OTA technology is wireless technology that can deliver new software, firmware, fixes, and data to internet-connected devices:
Tesla began deploying OTA updates to its Model S vehicles in 2012, helping to normalize the technology. However, the growing penetration of OTA technology has raised concerns, particularly regarding transportation infrastructure:
Gabriel Lim, senior analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noted that it represents "a unique national security concern." "Aside from data privacy concerns, the potential for a foreign actor to sabotage the controls of a moving vehicle is a possibility," he added:
The American Enterprise Institute warned that safeguarding the automotive sector is crucial to limit foreign governments' espionage capabilities:
'There is access to the control system'
Concerns arise as real-life tests reveal vulnerabilities. A Norwegian bus company, Ruter, conducted tests and found potential risks linked to OTA technology:
"There is access to the control system for battery and power supply via mobile network, and theoretically, this bus can be stopped or rendered inoperable by the manufacturer," the company said:
These concerns have also led to investigations in the U.K. and Denmark:
