GAO Says DOT Should Do More To Combat Real-World Cyberattacks
In a recent report, the Government Accountability Office asserted that more needs to be done by the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in preparing for and combating real-world cyberattacks on automobiles. Although there have been no such attacks documented, researchers have identified vulnerabilities affecting critical systems, including brakes. More specifically, certain critical systems are linked to potential access points via Bluetooth and other emerging technologies that could allow a wireless attack. In the event of a cyberattack, those vulnerabilities could be exploited and pose a risk to passenger safety. The report noted that there are many challenges in the way of addressing such vulnerabilities, such as the expense needed to adopt firewalls and other safeguards and the need to build safeguards into new, rather than existing, cars. The DOT agreed with the GAO’s recommendation to develop and document the NHTSA’s role in combating attacks.
