Connected cars are the way of the future—whether we like it or not. Our issue focus is one that’s pretty prevalent right now, not only in my professional life, but also in my personal life. I’ve been “car shopping” for almost two months now. And when I say “car shopping,” what I really mean is “car admiring.”
Like most consumers, I want the latest and greatest, but do I want to pay for it? Not really. Until I began working for Wireless Design & Development magazine, I would have been the customer who, if possible, would have opted out of paying for those silly extras, like that occasionally added-on “security package.” I mean, come on, who really needs that? Now that I’m a bit more seasoned in the tech space, I’d have to disagree with my old self especially now that cars are becoming much more advanced and, well, connected to everything. Today, I may even forgo the panoramic moon roof in order to afford that imperative “security package.”
But, let’s be realistic. What we considered “safe” and “secure” in the past is no longer enough. Forget worrying about whether or not someone is going to break into your car to steal that spare change you have lying in your cup holder; now we must worry about bigger, more critical things—like ensuring that no one can take over control of your car and potentially harm you or your passengers. The vulnerabilities are endless, and car manufactures must think about each one of them and how they can avoid potential disasters on a rather large scale.
We dive into securing advanced tech vehicles here, where we discuss the ins and outs of the what-ifs—and how to address them, before they actually happen. With consumers, like me, demanding ever-increasing features and connectivity, the topic is more than prevalent, it’s imperative.