BT has announced the launch of a security service developed to test how exposed connected vehicles are to cyber attacks.
Named BT Assure Ethical Hacking for Vehicles, it is designed to test the exposure of connected vehicles and includes a range of tests targeted at the “attack surfaces” of the vehicle; so the Bluetooth links, USB ports or the DVD drive within the car, as well as links to mobile networks or power plugs.
Udo Steininger, head of assisted and automated driving at TÜV SÜD, said: “In a few years’ time, the majority of vehicles that are produced will be connected to the internet or other networks, either for navigation, maintenance, cooperative driving or entertainment purposes, and the driver will expect the same usability he is used to from his smartphone.
“This bears complex challenges for the automotive industry, as cars are equipped with a number of embedded systems that have not been designed to be connected to the outside world. The industry needs to join forces, including with suppliers, IT security specialists and certification bodies, to agree on a common approach to interfaces and security standards for the Connected Car.”
Hubertus von Roenne, Vice President Global Industry Practices at BT Global Services, said, “Vehicles are now connected devices, confronting manufacturers and suppliers with a whole new world of security challenges. For example, we have seen cars infected with malware while connected to a power charging station – because nobody had expected this would be possible.
“We use the expertise and knowledge of our Ethical Hacking consultants to identify these vulnerabilities – before others do. BT has decades of experience in securing connected devices and embedded systems across various industries and we are very proud to now offer that experience to the automotive industry.”
