Car Connected Cybersecurity Consortium

History

2021: Creation of a consortium to protect cars from cyber attacks

In mid-August 2021, it became known that in order to prevent theft and theft of data, automakers will check the software of their machines for deficiencies in the security system and exchange information on trends in cyber attacks. To do this, the Car Connected Cybersecurity Consortium has been created, which will include more than 90 members.

Microsoft, Trend Micro, NTT Communications, Sompo Japan Insurance, Toyota and Nissan, as well as manufacturers of automotive components Denso and Panasonic have already joined this consortium. As self-driving cars become closer to reality, manufacturers are increasing their efforts to protect their cars from various cyber attacks, Nikkei reports.

90 companies, including Toyota, Nissan and Panasonic, formed a consortium to protect cars from cyber attacks

The engine, motors and brakes in a connected car are controlled by electronics. Information about the state of their operation is transmitted through the Internet. If the software that manages this data has security flaws, the data may be intercepted or the vehicle itself may be seized by a third party operator or third parties for an unknown purpose.

The report also states that thousands of software vulnerabilities are found in the world every month. Within the framework of the partnership, shortcomings in car software will be extracted and updated once a week. Each company will double check whether the software they use contains any security flaws. Partnership participants will also be provided with examples of hacking methods that are already known, as well as methods to combat them or developed updates.

Software research outsourcing costs automotive companies $1.8 million to $2.7 million per year. The consortium will ease the financial burden for small and medium-sized component manufacturers that do not have high-level software security specialists.

The UN Economic Commission for Europe adopted recommendations requiring manufacturers to improve safety in 2021. In Japan, the Ministry of Transport in January 2021 revised the law on road vehicles in accordance with UN recommendations.^[1]

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