Two major trade groups have issued a joint statement on the matter

Dec 21, 2013 14:56 GMT  ·  By

Earlier this month, we learned that US Senator Ed Markey sent a letter to 20 car manufacturers to find out how well they protected their customers against cyberattacks. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers have responded to Markey’s inquiry in a joint letter.

According to The Detroit News, the CEO’s of the two organizations, Mitch Bainwol and Michael Stanton, noted that cyber security was taken very seriously.

“We recognize the importance of protecting our vehicles and customers from cyber threats and the invasions of privacy. The automobile industry understands these risks and is actively working to ensure vehicle systems remain protected from malicious actors,” the executives wrote in their letter.

“The incorporation of in-vehicle computer systems has made protection from cyber security threats a top priority for the industry.”

They’ve also highlighted the fact that all communication systems, such as the satellite radio and navigation systems, are isolated from vehicle control systems in order to prevent hacker attacks.

On the other hand, Bainwol and Stanton point to the vehicle-to-vehicle communication protocols proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The two believe that the system will introduce new attack vectors that need to be taken into consideration before implementation.

It’s worth noting that the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers represent 25 major car manufacturers.

Markey’s letter to automakers came shortly after a couple of researchers demonstrated that it was not difficult to hijack the electronic systems installed on most vehicles.

The senator’s letter was sent out to companies like Volvo, Volkswagen, Toyota, Tesla, Subaru Motors, Porsche, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Hyundai, Honda, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Audi, and Aston Martin.