Aftermarket car parts industry is a multi-billion dollar sector that is worth well over $400 billion. It is also a major revenue earner for most individuals and countries. The industry has, however, been hit with major concerns relating to the safety and security of the smart devices. Researchers have repeatedly shown that the aftermarket car parts, especially those with a digital technology, can be highly susceptible to malicious use. Additional points of concern have been raised relating to the fact that most aftermarket digital devices comprise of the internet of things devices, which increases their vulnerability to security lapses.
Kaspersky researchers, surprisingly, established no vulnerabilities after comprehensively evaluating an array of smart aftermarket digital devices, including OBD scanning tools, vehicle monitoring systems, smart alarm systems, GPS trackers and other mobile app-controlled gadgets.
To many, these findings came as a major surprise, especially since vulnerabilities were anticipated. The satisfactory results served to reassure the entire industry that launching successful attacks against smart auto aftermarket digital devices is potentially difficult, if not impossible.
Experts in the industry, however, maintain their position relating to the need for aftermarket car smart digital device users to exercise due caution when implementing and using the devices on their cars. Security experts from Kaspersky Laboratories express their views and call for emphasis on three main areas to ensure digital safety when using the devices.
Firstly, there is a need to use the internet to search for any vulnerabilities associated with a device before purchasing and using it for your vehicle. Devices that have caused trouble among other users around the globe will highly likely cause vulnerabilities if you use them.
Secondly, it is highly advisable to go for products and devices that have been existing in the market for a relatively long duration of time. This implies avoiding devices immediately after they have been released into the market since any security flaws will not be immediately evidenced until it is too late.
Lastly, as a precautionary measure, it is highly advisable to consider installing digital security software, such as anti-virus and anti-malware, on all digital aftermarket smart devices where possible. This is an important cybersecurity measure that will play to your advantage, especially in helping to prevent attacks on the smart automobile devices.