How Safe Is Your Connected Car? Cyber Threats in 2025
The modern automobile is no longer just a mechanical machine—it’s a sophisticated, connected device on wheels. As cars become increasingly integrated with advanced software, internet connectivity, and smart features, they offer remarkable convenience and enhanced driving experiences. But this connectivity also opens the door to cyber threats that could jeopardize driver safety, privacy, and vehicle control.
In 2025, with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies, and over-the-air (OTA) updates, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern for drivers, manufacturers, and regulators alike. This article explores the evolving landscape of connected car security, the latest cyber threats, and how you can protect yourself on the road.
What Is a Connected Car?
A connected car is equipped with internet access and often communicates with other devices, networks, or cloud services. These vehicles include features such as:
- Real-time navigation with traffic updates
- Remote vehicle diagnostics
- Infotainment systems with smartphone integration
- Over-the-air software updates
- Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication for enhanced safety
- Autonomous driving capabilities
This connectivity enhances convenience and functionality but also creates new attack surfaces for cybercriminals.
The Growing Cybersecurity Risks in 2025
As car software becomes more complex and interconnected, cyber threats have grown in sophistication. Here are some of the most prominent risks facing connected cars today:
1. Remote Vehicle Hijacking
Hackers can potentially gain unauthorized access to a vehicle’s control systems remotely. Through vulnerabilities in wireless connections, infotainment systems, or cellular networks, attackers might control brakes, steering, or acceleration. Although such attacks remain rare, they highlight severe safety risks.
2. Data Privacy Breaches
Connected cars collect vast amounts of data, including location history, driving behavior, and personal preferences. If attackers infiltrate a vehicle’s systems or associated cloud services, they can access or steal sensitive personal information.
3. Ransomware Attacks
Cybercriminals could lock down vehicle functions and demand ransom to restore control, similar to attacks seen in IT systems. This threat is particularly concerning for fleet vehicles or commercial transport relying on connectivity.
4. Compromised Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
OTA updates allow manufacturers to fix bugs and improve features remotely. However, if hackers intercept or spoof these updates, they can inject malicious code or disable security functions.
5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Many vehicles rely on third-party software and hardware components. Vulnerabilities in these suppliers’ systems can introduce weaknesses, making cars susceptible to cyber intrusion.
High-Profile Connected Car Cyber Attacks
Over the past decade, cybersecurity researchers have demonstrated proof-of-concept attacks on connected vehicles, exposing vulnerabilities:
- In 2015, researchers remotely hacked a Jeep Cherokee’s infotainment system and gained control of critical functions, leading to a massive recall.
- Various automakers have faced data breaches exposing customer information.
- More recently, ransomware attacks targeted vehicle fleets, disrupting operations and demanding payments.
These incidents have accelerated industry focus on vehicle cybersecurity standards.
Industry Response: Securing Connected Cars in 2025
The automotive industry, regulators, and cybersecurity experts are collaborating intensively to mitigate risks:
1. Improved Security Architecture
Automakers are designing vehicles with multi-layered cybersecurity defenses, including hardware-based security modules, encrypted communication, and intrusion detection systems.
2. Regular Security Updates
OTA updates are now deployed more frequently to patch vulnerabilities quickly without requiring physical recalls or dealership visits.
3. Collaboration with Cybersecurity Firms
Car manufacturers partner with specialized cybersecurity companies to conduct rigorous penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and threat intelligence sharing.
4. Industry Standards and Regulations
Governments and international bodies have introduced guidelines like ISO/SAE 21434 and UN Regulation No. 155, mandating cybersecurity requirements for automotive manufacturers.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Connected Car?
While manufacturers take major steps to secure vehicles, drivers also play a vital role in minimizing risks:
1. Keep Software Updated
Always install manufacturer-recommended updates promptly, as they often include critical security patches.
2. Use Strong Authentication
Set strong passwords and use two-factor authentication if available for connected services or apps controlling your vehicle.
3. Beware of Third-Party Devices
Avoid plugging unknown USB devices or unauthorized hardware into your car’s systems, which could introduce malware.
4. Limit Data Sharing
Review privacy settings and limit unnecessary data sharing through connected apps or services.
5. Monitor for Unusual Behavior
Stay alert for any strange vehicle behavior like unexpected alerts, unresponsive controls, or unknown devices connected to your car.
The Road Ahead: Future Challenges and Opportunities
The evolution of connected cars continues rapidly. Upcoming trends that will influence cybersecurity include:
- Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars depend heavily on software and connectivity, requiring robust security to prevent malicious interference.
- Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X): Communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and devices improves safety but also adds complex security demands.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI systems for driving assistance need protection from adversarial attacks that could manipulate sensor data or decision-making.
- Quantum Computing: While still nascent, quantum computing could break current encryption methods, necessitating new cryptographic solutions for vehicle security.
Conclusion
As connected cars become the norm in 2025, cybersecurity is no longer a theoretical concern but a critical safety and privacy issue. While automakers have made significant strides in safeguarding vehicles, drivers must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their cars.
Understanding the cyber threats and taking simple steps like keeping software updated and safeguarding your data can make a big difference. The journey to fully secure connected vehicles continues, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to safety on every mile driven.