Cyberthreats in modern cars – the responsibility and readiness of auto workshops : A qualitative interview study

The car has historically been one of mankind’s most important methods of transportation. During the last few years, that role has changed dramatically as carsbecome smarter and more connected. Modern cars rely on connections for several core functions, with these features ranging from controlling functionsthrough a mobile application to remote road assistance. As they have becomemore connected, they have also become potential targets for cyber attacks.The following report presents an interview study in which managers from severalauto workshops were interviewed about their relation, interest, and experiencewith cybersecurity-related to cars. They share the current solutions, how thesemay be utilized, and how well they would be able to deal with a cyberattackagainst a car in their possession.These interviews resulted in evidence that auto workshops are potential targets, but several solutions exist today. It also became evident that there is a gap between independent workshops and branded workshops in how they function andin what manner they approach problems and issues. Specifically new issues previously unencountered issues, where branded workshops rely a lot on theirmanufacturer while independent workshops are left to use whatever solutionthey can. The landscape is complex with no one side or silver bullet to all presented issues, neither current nor futur