In light of the news that hackers might target driverless cars to cause traffic chaos Wil Rockall, director in KPMG’s cyber security practice argues that the benefits of automated transport far outweigh the risks.
There is always the risk of attack and the more we depend on technology to make our lives simpler, safer and more efficient the impact of an attack being successful goes up.
We should not get carried away with the risks they pose, although 2013 was a record low for road deaths in the UK there are some worrying signs that the stats are being reversed and using the road remains one of the most dangerous activities one can legally participate in. Autonomous vehicles have a great prospect of reducing the number and severity of road accidents in the future.
Adding connectivity to cars also has a huge potential for increasing the efficiency of road use, reducing congestion and pollution at the same time.
Right now we are at a nascent stage in the development of connected cars and now is the right time to make sure we develop the right legal, insurance and technological frameworks and controls to make sure we are able to capitalise on the benefits they will bring. Governments, manufacturers and the security industries need to work together now to make sure we build the right route to success for automate vehicles so the UK is not left behind.
By Wil Rockall
Director in KPMG’s cyber security practice
www.kpmg.com