Senators Turn Up Heat Over Vehicle Cybersecurity Issues

WASHINGTON – Two U.S. senators are pushing 18 automakers to update information about each company’s protections against the threat of cyberattacks, especially when it comes to 2015-’16 vehicles.

The latest push, in a letter to automakers on Wednesday, follows auto industry recalls for hacking concerns.

Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.) sent expanded queries to the automakers asking for “an update to the information on each company’s protections against the threat of cyberattacks or unwarranted invasions of privacy related to the integration of electronic systems into and within automobiles.

They also asked automakers to detail “any changes to their vehicle fleet or characteristics, policies, practices and experiences since the company first responded to Senator Markey’s original letter.”

Markey began an investigation into automotive cybersecurity in 2013.

The letters were sent to Aston Martin, BMW, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Lamborghini, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen/Audi and Volvo.

Concerns about cyberattacks grew after a Wired magazine report in July. Hackers remotely took control of some functions of the Jeep Cherokee, including steering, transmission and brakes.

Fiat-Chrysler issued two recalls this summer over hacking concerns. The latest recall involves some 2015 Jeep Renegades equipped with 6.5-inch touchscreens.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Association of Global Automakers are developing the Information Sharing and Analysis Center to share information about cyber-threats.

Edmunds says: Lawmakers and auto companies are racing to address the vulnerabilities of connected cars.