The recent Jeep Cherokee hacking incident that resulted in 1.4 million vehicles recalled has U.S. consumers concerned.
So concerned that many think vehicle hacking will be a frequent problem within the next three years, according to a new Kelley Blue Book survey.
Moreover, respondents think domestic carmakers, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, General Motors and Ford Motor Company, are the most susceptible to vehicle hacking. The majority of respondents also hold the carmaker responsible for securing a vehicle from hacking.
“Technology offers a wide range of enhanced convenience for today’s new vehicle buyers, but it also offers the increasing potential for unauthorized access and control,” said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book, in a written release.
“Cyber-security is still a relatively new area of specialization for automakers, but it’s one they need to take seriously to ensure they are ahead of the curve. If automotive engineers find themselves playing catch-up in this field, it could have disastrous results for both consumers and the industry,” Brauer continued.
Kelley Blue Book’s survey also revealed 64 per cent would prefer going to a dealership to get a security patch installed for their vehicle, and even 52 per cent would be willing to pay around $8 for a monthly subscription to protect their vehicle from hacking.
The survey was fielded from July 24-27, 2015 in the U.S., and garnered 1,134 responses from Kelley Blue Book’s online community.
