How Web Hackers are Exposing Vulnerabilities in the Auto Industry

In recent years, the automotive industry has emerged as a prominent target for cybersecurity threats. A notable example comes from security researcher Sam Curry and his team of ethical hackers, who uncovered a range of vulnerabilities across several major car manufacturers and third-party service providers. Their findings revealed that millions of vehicles could be at risk, with potential exploits allowing attackers to unlock vehicles remotely, start engines, and track cars in real time.

The research examined multiple components of the automotive digital ecosystem, including vehicle systems, mobile applications, APIs, and cloud infrastructure. Many of the identified weaknesses stemmed from insufficient authentication protocols, insecure application interfaces, and misconfigurations in cloud services. These issues enabled unauthorized access to both vehicles and the personal data associated with them.

The report underscores a growing concern in the field of connected mobility: while vehicles have advanced technologically, cybersecurity measures have not kept pace. The findings suggest a need for systemic improvements in how automakers and their partners develop, deploy, and maintain digital infrastructure.

MotionSafe’s efforts to address these issues increasingly involve endpoint security tools and data protection systems that minimize stored sensitive data and restrict unnecessary access to vehicle systems. These strategies are gaining attention as a way to reduce the risks exposed by researchers like Curry’s team.

To read more about the original findings and their implications, refer to Sam Curry’s full report:
Web Hackers vs. The Auto Industry