Automakers are well aware of the risks, and some have recognized cyber security as a specialty area for many years. For example, the French company Citroën has been cooperating with Harman since 2016, which is one of the leaders in car cyber security. Employing more than 30,000 people, this company constantly monitors for suspicious activity in cyberspace and responds immediately to any unauthorized activity. On the other hand, Citroën owners can be safe – they don’t have to do anything special for their own safety.
–
Always install the latest software
–
As hardware and software vulnerabilities are constantly being exploited, it is impossible to predict exactly when a cyber attack will occur. Therefore, if a manufacturer becomes aware of a vulnerability, it is important to fix it as soon as possible, while users should not ignore software updates.
–
“The risk of cyber attacks also depends on whether the manufacturer takes care of its software and develops updates. There may be no problems today, but there is no guarantee that they will not appear tomorrow: if the software is not updated, then the weaknesses are not fixed. It is equally important that the users themselves do not ignore the updates and install them immediately. So it can be said that the responsibility for security in a sense lies on both sides: both on the software developer and on the users,” says the specialist.
–
–
Therefore, manufacturers try to make updates reach users as quickly and conveniently as possible. In the past, machine owners had to go to an authorized service center for them, but now the process is done online. For example, the multimedia system of the new Citroën C5 X can be updated remotely. When the car connects to the Internet, the owner of the car receives a notification that updates are available. With a few taps on the screen, you can accept the installation instantly, while the car’s multimedia system downloads the improved version itself within a few minutes. It solves several problems in one fell swoop: the manufacturer reacts quickly to the risk and offers updates, while the user can install them very soon and do it without wasting too much time, without even leaving home.
—
