Less than one-in-five connected car drivers feel very confident their vehicle is protected from cyberattacks, while 76% are concerned about these types of attacks resulting in accidents or putting their lives at risk.
That is according to the 2025 Connected Car Cyber Safety & Security Index that was recently released by RunSafe Security. The study surveyed 2,000 connected car owners across the U.S., U.K., and Germany, and found that drivers are more aware of cyber risks to their vehicles — “and are letting those concerns shape how and what they drive — and what they buy.
“Connected cars have become computers on wheels, and with that transformation comes new risks that consumers increasingly recognize,” said Joe Saunders, Founder and CEO of RunSafe Security, in a statement. “Our research shows that cybersecurity is now an important consideration in the car-buying process.”
Saunders added that OEMs that invest in transparent and proactive security measures will capture a competitive advantage. However, the automakers that lag behind “risk losing market share to competitors — or worse, driving customers to opt out of connected cars altogether.”
The report found that, in terms of software supply chain transparency demands, 83% of survey respondents want OEMs to disclose software sources. Seventy-seven per cent recognize third-party components as cybersecurity risks. On purchase power, 87% say strong cybersecurity influences buying decisions. Within this, 35% are willing to pay premium prices for greater cyber protection on their vehicle.
Consumers (70%) would also consider buying older, less connected vehicles to reduce cyber risks, 85% would be more concerned about cybersecurity risks if outside companies included AI features in their vehicles, and 37% would move to a different brand if their preferred vehicle were vulnerable to cyberattacks.
“The reality is that automotive cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data — it’s about preventing vehicles from becoming mobile weapons,” said Saunders in a statement. “Drivers aren’t paranoid in their concerns. They’re recognizing that a compromised car can endanger lives, and the industry needs to respond with the same urgency we’d apply to any other life-safety system.”
