Google has confirmed that it is going to take self-driving cars from the internet to prevent their technology from hackers, according to the chief executive of its driverless car program.
It is not possible to disconnect from the outside world entirely however as autonomous vehicles require the means to communicate with other traffic and infrastructure to furnish them with advance warning of potential dangers.
Speaking to the Financial Times John Krafcik explained: “Our cars will communicate with the outside world only when they truly need to, so there will not be a continuous line that is able to be hacked, going into the car.”
Driverless cars are particularly vulnerable to criminals as their components are all connected on a central system, giving hackers multiple routes to break into the system and assume control of key functions.
The decision highlights just how seriously Google is treating cyber security after rival car manufacturers Nissan and Fiat Chrysler fell victim to criminal hacks.
Source: itechpost & thedrum.com