Modern Vehicles: A Wild Ride into Security Awareness
As security awareness professionals, we often focus our training on phishing and password hygiene. However, the definition of an “endpoint” has shifted. Today’s vehicles are essentially mobile data centers, and they represent a growing attack surface that bridges the gap between digital risk and physical safety. To stay ahead, our training programs must evolve to include “automotive hygiene” as a standard part of a holistic security culture.
Key Guidance for Your Training Programs
When advising employees or stakeholders, awareness teams should prioritize these four actionable areas:
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Treat the Car Like a Computer: Encourage users to install vehicle software updates as soon as they become available. These are rarely just about “new features”—they often contain critical security patches for the vehicle’s internal communication networks.
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Secure the Entry Points: Teach the “Faraday Cage” concept. Simple physical habits, like storing key fobs in signal-blocking bags, can prevent common relay attacks that allow thieves to steal vehicles without a trace.
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Data Privacy & De-provisioning: Most drivers don’t realize their car stores synced contacts, call logs, and GPS history. It is vital to instruct users on how to perform a factory reset before selling, trading in, or returning a leased vehicle.
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App Hygiene: Vehicle mobile apps are direct gateways to the car’s locks and ignition. These accounts must be secured with unique, strong passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever supported.
By integrating these tips into your next awareness module, you help your team protect not just their corporate data, but their personal safety and privacy on the road.
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