Modern cars are no longer just mechanical marvels, they are also supercomputers on wheels. With approximately 100 million lines of code powering features like over-the-air software updates, automated parking, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, the automotive industry is riding a wave of digital transformation. Yet with this increased connectivity comes increased vulnerability to cyberattacks. As hackers increasingly target vehicles, the industry is turning to AI to strengthen its defenses and secure the future of connected cars.
The automotive cybersecurity revolution
AI is quickly becoming the cornerstone of automotive cybersecurity, transforming how manufacturers detect and neutralize threats in real time. By processing large amounts of data from connected systems, AI can identify irregularities, flag potential violations, and even automate responses to emerging threats.
AI can be used to detect complex abnormal patterns and provide real-time diagnostics and responses in vehicle systems. This proactive approach enables faster detection and mitigation of threats, significantly reducing the window of opportunity for hackers.
One area where AI shines is monitoring of critical vehicle systemssuch as electronic control units. Hackers are increasingly targeting these systems in an attempt to corrupt data or take control of vehicle functions. With AI-based systems, real-time analytics can detect these intrusion attempts and respond instantly, preserving both the safety of the vehicle and the integrity of its data.
Collaborating for a safer future
Securing vehicles requires more than just cutting-edge technology: it requires collaboration across the industry. Open source cooperation, in which manufacturers, suppliers and regulators share threat intelligence, cybersecurity tools and best practices, is essential. This collective approach is already being put into practice, with initiatives such as that of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Community of interest in the United States and the European Commission Joint Research Center advancing AI and cybersecurity standards in autonomous driving.
Regulations such as UNECE R155, which impose risk management standards throughout the automotive supply chain, further push this collaborative effort. By working together, automakers can collectively raise the bar on cybersecurity, ensuring connected cars are secure by design.
The role of the supplier
The introduction of AI in the automotive sector not only impacts OEMs but also transforms supplier responsibilities. UNECE R155coming into force for new vehicles in 2022 and will apply to all existing architectures from July 2024, requires suppliers to ensure that their products meet strict cybersecurity standards. This adds complexity to the vendor’s role as they must stay ahead of evolving threats while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Suppliers must also work with OEMs to meet these new standards and ensure their products comply with regulations. This collaboration will be crucial to improving the cybersecurity management system and ensuring that all new and existing architectures benefit from state-of-the-art security measures.
Where AI makes the difference
Despite the industry’s best efforts, there are still significant vulnerabilities in connected vehicles that AI must address. One of the main threats lies in the manipulation of V2X systems, through which attackers can interfere with road safety messages and traffic management systems, potentially causing dangerous situations for drivers. AI-based systems can effectively detect threats in real time and maintain vehicle security against such cyberattacks
Another vulnerability is compliance gaps. Hackers often exploit flaws in a vehicle’s cybersecurity management system, particularly if certain components or processes are not secure by design. AI helps mitigate these risks by ensuring that systems are continually monitored and assessed for weaknesses.
As the automotive industry becomes increasingly connected and automated, AI is poised to reshape how vehicles are secured and how they adapt to new cyber threats. Collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers and regulators will be key to meeting these challenges head on, enabling the industry to develop innovative solutions and create a more resilient ecosystem. By working together, the industry can better protect consumers and stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.
Steve McEvoy, vice president of automotive at Expléo
