Data has become a key tool in modern mobility since it drives innovations and improves user experiences. It plays a big part in many sectors of automotive technologies, from navigation to vehicle performance analytics. According to a McKinsey report, 50 percent of new vehicles sold in 2024 are already connected in some way, and this is expected to rise to 90 percent by 2030.
For drivers, such connectivity ensures safety and security, comfort, autonomous driving, performance, infotainment, and assistant services. For automakers and the automotive industry, this can also involve large volumes of data, including location information, driver behavior, and performance metrics.
However, as the value of data increases, so does the concern about cybersecurity dangers and critical information leaks. Ensuring user privacy and security in an increasingly connected world depends first on safeguarding vehicle data.
The vulnerability of vehicle data
Today’s vehicles are sophisticated data-collecting machines. They record a wide array of data, including GPS positions, acceleration, braking patterns, speed, and even in-cabin activities. According to VisualCapitalist, this can range from 1.4TB to 25TB per hour.
Despite the advantages of this data, its collection and storage expose vehicles to cyberattacks. For example, in 2015, a malicious attacker hacked a Jeep Cherokee, remotely managing its engine and brakes. More recently, Toyota Motor Corporation revealed in 2023 that the car location data of at least 2 million customers was exposed for a period of over 10 years due to a cloud service misconfiguration.
According to the VicOne 2023 Automotive Cyberthreat Landscape Report, the growth in usage and monetization of automotive data also contributes to a proportionate growth in the threat of exploitation by cybercriminals. An additional challenge is that over 90 percent of automotive cyberattacks were not aimed at OEMs but at other companies in the supply chain.
The challenges of protecting mobile data
Traditional data security models struggle to address the dynamic and interconnected environments of modern vehicles. The main challenge is that older models were intended for stationary, isolated systems rather than the mobile, networked nature of today’s cars.
In contrast, vehicle data should be safeguarded in real time over several networks and devices. Moreover, the need to integrate third-party hardware and software adds more vulnerabilities. The necessity of ongoing upgrades and repairs to handle new security threats complicates things even more.
The growing number of attacks in the automotive industry clearly shows how inadequate traditional data security models are. The dynamic character of vehicle networks calls for increasingly strong and flexible security solutions to protect sensitive data and guarantee user privacy.
Innovative solutions on the horizon
This challenge calls for solid and creative ideas to handle the unique challenges of securing vehicle data. Decentralization may be a good way to improve data security and privacy in the mobility sector.
At its heart, blockchain technology utilizes transparent, tamper-proof, and secure systems. This solution guarantees that no single point of failure can damage the whole system by spreading information throughout a network of nodes. Through this decentralization model, it addresses real-time data exchange, data integrity, and user privacy.
Unlike traditional centralized systems, decentralized platforms can manage the large amount and speed of automotive data through a different approach to data security. Blockchain technology’s natural immutability and transparency guarantee that data stays accurate and reliable, thus lowering the risks of fraud, tampering, or manipulation.
Leading by example
Soarchain is at the forefront of using blockchain technology to build a decentralized mobility network. Its innovative approach to data security enables safe, real-time data exchanges between infrastructure, vehicles, and service providers, utilizing its Layer 1 Network.
“Soarchain’s decentralized software provides a number of improvements, such as enhanced privacy for personal data, interoperability amongst companies, data ownership, real-time data verification, increased transparency as a system, enhanced security, and a modular approach to provide very high scalability,” says Kerem Ozkan, Co-Founcer at Soar Robotics.
The ability to manage and secure vehicle and mobility data leads to numerous applications that enhance the user experience. “It would provide a number of different applications like vehicle predictive maintenance, green drive, pay-how-you-drive vehicle insurances, ride-hailing, road monitoring and traffic flow management, emergency roadside assistance, smart parking, etc. It brings users smart applications, cheaper services, real-time emergency assistance, better vehicle life, wide variety and interoperability,” Ozkan adds.
By leveraging blockchain technology, Soarchain guarantees the safety, transparency, and security of every data transaction. Eliminating centralized data storage helps safeguard user privacy and improve data integrity. The platform ensures continuous data availability and reduces cyberattack risks by distributing data across multiple decentralized nodes.
Soarchain’s partnerships with large OEMs including Suzuki, Ford and Maruti aims to enhance mobility safety through V2X technology, which connects vehicles to each other, pedestrians, and infrastructure for safer roads. Collaboration with various stakeholders in the automotive industry ensures a safe and connected ecosystem that benefits all players by working with vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and technology businesses.
The future of automotive data security
Decentralized technologies like Soarchain can revolutionize data security in automotive applications by addressing the unique challenges of safeguarding vehicle data security. These technologies are opening the path for a more trustworthy and safe automotive industry.
Furthermore, the broader influence of these technologies spans connections, networks, and smart city projects, where effective urban growth depends on safe data exchanges.
As the automotive sector progresses, accepting decentralized solutions will be crucial to protecting user data and guaranteeing the privacy and security of connected vehicles.
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