Updated Information on Autonomous Vehicles!
Autonomous vehicles, with their promise of increased safety and convenience, are poised to revolutionise the way we travel. However, a significant challenge looms on the horizon: hacking threats.
Three years ago, hackers demonstrated their ability to gain control of a Jeep Cherokee's controls through its infotainment system, a scenario that could potentially be replicated in autonomous vehicles. This vulnerability led to 1.4 million vehicles being recalled by Chrysler.
The reliance of autonomous vehicles on more software and constant connectivity opens up more potential windows for remote access, making them particularly susceptible to hacking. This has understandably made many people apprehensive about self-driving technology.
A survey by the insurance company, American International Group in 2017, revealed that 41% of consumers have reservations about self-driving cars. This figure has been influenced by high-profile accidents involving autonomous vehicles, such as the one resulting in the death of a pedestrian, which has significantly impacted consumers' perceptions of self-driving car safety.
Despite these concerns, consumers want and expect semi-autonomous features in future cars, such as collision warning and avoidance systems. They also want the option to drive themselves, with a majority (84%) preferring this option in self-driving cars.
As automated and electric vehicles become more common, service will be even more critical due to the increased usage and mileage of these vehicles. The repair and replacement of sensors will be a significant challenge for technicians working on automated vehicles. To meet this challenge, technicians will need to understand the technology of advanced safety and driver assistance systems, repair and replacement of sensors, electrical theory, and information technology.
In Germany, training is provided to offer technical support for automated vehicles. This is crucial as the transition to electric mobility and alternative drives requires well-qualified personnel capable of working with high-voltage systems and complex electronic diagnostics, ensuring safety and functionality in these advanced vehicle technologies.
Many car manufacturers and cyber security experts are confident that better intrusion prevention technologies will eventually overtake persistent hacking fears. Consumer awareness of automated vehicles has significantly increased over the past two years, and as this technology continues to evolve, it is hoped that these concerns will be addressed, paving the way for a safer and more secure future for autonomous vehicles.
However, it is clear that hacking threats in autonomous vehicles are a growing concern for consumers and experts alike. Only 16% of consumers are comfortable letting an autonomous vehicle drive them without the option to take control, and nearly half of consumers would never buy a Level 5 self-driving vehicle. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to commit felonies in autonomous vehicles, making it essential to continue efforts to secure these vehicles and restore consumer confidence.
