Cybersecurity Becomes a Defining Trend for Connected Cars

Rising cyber risks and fresh research are forcing automakers to rethink how connected vehicles are secured and how trust is built

4 Sep 2025

A growing wave of cyber threats is forcing US carmakers to rethink how they design and protect connected vehicles, as new research warns that digital risks are becoming more frequent and more systemic across the industry.

What were once seen as isolated breaches are now viewed by boards and product teams as a strategic issue. While some manufacturers have begun to invest in stronger safeguards, analysts say the industry is still at an early stage of a broader shift towards more robust security practices.

Research by automotive cybersecurity group Upstream points to a sharp rise in incidents affecting connected vehicles and charging networks, with hundreds of cases recorded each year. Year on year growth in attacks is among the highest since the firm began tracking the data, it said. Increasingly, attackers are targeting entire mobility platforms rather than individual vehicles, raising concerns about disruptions that could affect fleets or services at scale.

As vehicles incorporate more software driven features, each new digital service expands the potential attack surface. That has intensified calls for a more coordinated approach to cybersecurity across manufacturers, suppliers and technology partners.

The warnings are prompting companies to reassess their strategic options. Rather than pursuing large acquisitions, many are exploring partnerships or targeted investments to strengthen in house capabilities. VicOne, another cybersecurity specialist, reports rising demand for software based protection tools and says security upgrades are becoming a core part of vehicle platform modernisation.

The firm has identified notable increases in requests for in vehicle security solutions, suggesting that levels of preparedness still vary widely across the market.

Consumer sentiment is adding to the pressure. Surveys indicate that many drivers remain uncertain about the safety of connected vehicle systems, and industry executives say concerns about data protection and system integrity are increasingly shaping brand perceptions. Although survey results differ, trust is emerging as a potential competitive advantage as vehicles become more software defined.

For manufacturers, the challenge is to respond to rising alerts while maintaining the pace of digital innovation. Researchers argue that those that embed security by design, invest consistently and communicate more clearly with customers will be better placed as the connected vehicle ecosystem continues to expand.