Thales: 91% of U.S. Consumers Concerned with Security Risks of Internet-Connected Cars

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Thales, a leader in critical information systems, cybersecurity and data security, announces survey results revealing how respondents feel about the potential risks connected vehicles pose to their safety and the security of their personal information.

Connected cars use mobile internet technology for safety systems and remote diagnostics (like "OnStar"), as well as controlling key functions via a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet or computer – enabling motorists to operate and monitor information, entertainment and communication settings.

Developed in conjunction with Wakefield Research, the survey finds the vast majority of U.S. residents (87 percent) believe the government should implement stricter data security regulations for connected cars. As self-driving cars emerge on our roads and the U.S. government makes headway on passing bills, like the SELF DRIVE Act, approximately three out of five respondents expressed that they are more concerned about the security of internet-based vehicle technology now than they were five years ago.

Click to Tweet: 91% of U.S. residents want more government regulation around #ConnectedCars http://bit.ly/2AFIiMU

Increase in ownership – despite security concerns
Even as respondents voiced the need for government oversight of connected cars, many seem to be willing to take their chances if it means getting to own a vehicle with IoT-enabled technology. In the U.S., ownership of internet-connected cars increased from 24 percent in 2016 to 28 percent in 2017. However, roughly one-third of respondents noted that data security is on their minds when looking to purchase a connected car, and 32 percent of Americans identify data security features as the most important consideration when purchasing a connected vehicle.

Peter Galvin, vice president strategy, Thales eSecurity says:
"As adoption of connected cars and development of autonomous, self-driving cars soars, there is a tremendous business opportunity for automakers. However, with more connectivity comes new pathways for cyberattacks. While we're starting to see IoT and connected car regulatory frameworks in the U.S. like the SELF DRIVE Act, manufacturers should proactively consider these consumer qualms as they get ready to bring these cars to our streets instead of waiting for laws and regulations to pass – especially considering that 61 percent of respondents worry about failures or malfunctions of a car's technology and 46 percent fear potential viruses or malware."

Connected cars not the only IoT devices at security risk
As our lives become increasingly connected, Americans' usage of IoT devices in general is on the rise, with 55 percent of respondents in the 2017 survey indicating they own at least one, compared to 49 percent in 2016. When it comes to concerns about potential breaches, 64 percent of U.S. respondents believe devices like home security cameras and video doorbells are internet-connected technologies that are also extremely vulnerable. Those seen as least vulnerable are connected lightbulbs, such as Philips Hue. Only 9 percent of U.S. respondents said they view those as a threat.

Methodology
This survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative adults ages 18 and older in the U.S. and U.K., between August 31st and September 7th, 2017, using an email invitation and an online poll. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results.

To learn more about Thales eSecurity's Internet of Things solutions, click here.

About Thales eSecurity
Thales eSecurity is the leader in advanced data security solutions and services that deliver trust wherever information is created, shared or stored. We ensure that the data belonging to companies and government entities is both secure and trusted in any environment – on-premises, in the cloud, in data centres or big data environments – without sacrificing business agility. Security doesn't just reduce risk, it's an enabler of the digital initiatives that now permeate our daily lives – digital money, e-identities, healthcare, connected cars and, with the internet of things (IoT), even household devices. Thales provides everything an organisation needs to protect and manage its data, identities and intellectual property, and meet regulatory compliance – through encryption, advanced key management, tokenisation, and privileged-user control and high-assurance solutions. Security professionals around the globe rely on Thales to confidently accelerate their organisation's digital transformation. Thales eSecurity is part of Thales Group.

Industry insight and views on the latest key management trends can be found on the Thales eSecurity blog at blog.thalesesecurity.com.

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About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 64,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of €14.9 billion in 2016. With over 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world.

Positioned as a value-added systems integrator, equipment supplier and service provider, Thales is one of Europe's leading players in the security market. The Group's security teams work with government agencies, local authorities and enterprise customers to develop and deploy integrated, resilient solutions to protect citizens, sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

Thales offers world-class cryptographic capabilities and is a global leader in cybersecurity solutions for defence, government, critical infrastructure providers, telecom companies, industry and the financial services sector. With a value proposition addressing the entire data security chain, Thales offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions ranging from security consulting, data protection, digital trust management and design, development, integration, certification and security maintenance of cybersecured systems, to cyberthreat management, intrusion detection and security supervision through cybersecurity Operation Centres in France, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Hong Kong.

SOURCE Thales

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