Automotive Use of OTA Technology Raises Cybersecurity Concerns, Analysts Say

According to CNBC, analysts said the auto industry's growing use of over-the-air, or OTA, technology to update vehicle systems is making cars more vulnerable to cyberattacks and increasing the need for more sector oversight. OTA software has been deployed in vehicles since Tesla began rolling out updates for the Model S in 2012, and researchers said the technology is now widespread across the industry. Siraj Ahmed Shaikh of Swansea University said OTA updates are popular because they are a fast and cost-effective way to manage vehicle systems compared with traditional recalls or routine maintenance. Gabriel Lim of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies said the technology creates a national security concern, while the American Enterprise Institute in May urged added security reviews, limits on certain foreign-made hardware and software in vehicles, and greater disclosure of data collection. Ruter, a Norwegian bus company, said late last year that testing found one of two buses had potential risks linked to OTA technology, including access to the control system for battery and power supply through a mobile network via a Romanian SIM card.