AUTOMOTIVE cybersecurity threats are growing in the era of connected and autonomous vehicles, with scholars noting that the Jeep Cherokee hack in 2015 was a pivotal wake‑up call. At RSAC Conference in San Francisco, Kamel Ghali and Julio Padilha warned that a totally connected system increases threat exposure, emphasising that vehicles are becoming computers on wheels.
The discussion recalled that researchers remotely controlled the Jeep’s infotainment and communications systems, prompting Chrysler to recall 1.4 million vehicles at the time. The experts pointed to the increasing complexity of cars, with several million lines of code per vehicle and drivers of connectivity linking to apps and data.
In regulatory terms, governments have stepped up, with the 2021 adoption of UN Regulation No 155 by 63 countries, including the UK, Europe and parts of Asia, requiring cybersecurity assessments and secure vehicle maintenance for 10 to 15 years on the road. Padilha also highlighted ongoing investment in autonomous systems, while Ghali stressed the need for continuing evolution as AI and post‑quantum protections become essential. March 26, 2026.