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Security Risks and Privacy Concerns from Hacking Subaru’s Starlink System Unveiled by Researchers, (from page 20250309.)

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Summary

Security researcher Sam Curry discovered severe vulnerabilities in Subaru’s Starlink system after hacking his mother’s new Impreza. Alongside collaborator Shubham Shah, Curry found that these flaws allowed unauthorized access to unlock the vehicle, start the engine, and, most alarmingly, track its location history for a year. This access raised significant privacy concerns, as detailed information about the car’s whereabouts, including visits to doctors and friends, was retrievable. Despite reporting and fixing the vulnerabilities, Curry and Shah criticized the broader car industry for similar security risks, emphasizing a lack of privacy protections in the vast amounts of data collected by car manufacturers. Subaru acknowledged the risks and stated that while this specific flaw was patched, employees still have access to location data under certain circumstances, sparking worries about the extent of consumer tracking and inherent privacy issues.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Car Data Vulnerability Exploitation Research revealed exposed vulnerabilities allowing hackers to control car features via the web. From secure, isolated vehicle functionality to remote access and control vulnerabilities. In 10 years, sophisticated hacking could become commonplace, amplifying risks related to vehicle security and personal privacy. Rising internet connectivity in vehicles increases risks due to potential exploitation of digital systems. 4
Long-term Location Tracking Issues Discovery of a year’s worth of accurate location data available to Subaru employees raises privacy concerns. Shift from limited customer control over location data to extensive employee access leading to privacy invasions. In 10 years, consumer awareness and legislation around location data privacy in vehicles may transform industry standards. Growing awareness of privacy issues related to data collection in increasingly connected cars. 5
Widespread Auto Industry Vulnerabilities Multiple car manufacturers affected by similar web-based vulnerabilities discovered by security researchers. Transition from isolated security concerns to a widespread issue across major automakers affecting consumer trust. In 10 years, automakers may face stricter regulations and public scrutiny over data security and privacy practices. Increased demand for transparency and accountability in how personal data is managed by corporations. 5
Normalizing Digital Data Collection Car manufacturers are integrating data collection mechanisms without consumer consent or awareness. Shifts from traditional data gathering to aggressive, continuous data tracking with minimal consumer control. In 10 years, vehicles may evolve into data monetization platforms unless regulated, impacting consumer trust. The automotive industry’s push to integrate more digital technologies for marketing, safety, and service reasons. 5
Consumer Demand for Privacy Legislation Emerging advocacy for legislation to address data tracking in the automotive sector highlighted by research findings. Transition from lack of consumer awareness to active advocacy for privacy rights related to vehicle data. In 10 years, robust privacy regulations could shape how car manufacturers handle personal data collection and usage. Rapidly evolving tech landscape in vehicles and increasing public concern surrounding personal data privacy. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Car Hacking Vulnerabilities Increasing vulnerabilities in internet-connected vehicles allow unauthorized access to vehicle features and data, posing theft and safety risks. 5
Privacy Breaches via Location Tracking Pervasive location tracking by car manufacturers exposes sensitive personal information and raises privacy concerns for drivers. 5
Lack of Data Control for Consumers Consumers have little control over the extensive data collected by automotive companies, leading to potential misuse or unauthorized sharing. 5
Insider Access to Sensitive Data Employees may have excessive access to personal data of customers, such as location history, increasing risks of abuse or breaches. 4
Cybersecurity of Auto Industry The automotive industry’s cybersecurity flaws may be more widespread, indicating a systemic issue that could affect many manufacturers. 5
Inadequate Regulations on Data Collection Current regulations may not sufficiently address the privacy and security risks posed by location tracking and data collection in modern vehicles. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Vulnerability exploitation in connected vehicles Individuals are actively seeking, discovering, and exploiting security vulnerabilities in connected vehicle systems to gain unauthorized access. 5
Privacy concerns over location data There is a growing awareness and concern regarding the extensive collection and potential misuse of location data by automotive companies. 5
Hacking for research and awareness Security researchers are hacking vehicles to expose vulnerabilities, highlighting security issues as a form of consumer advocacy. 4
Corporate transparency demands Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency from corporations regarding data collection practices and employee access to personal information. 4
Increased regulatory scrutiny There is a rising push for legislation to limit data tracking practices and enhance consumer privacy protections in the automotive industry. 4
Cross-company vulnerability awareness Awareness is growing that vulnerabilities are not isolated to one manufacturer, indicating systemic issues in security across the automotive sector. 5
Expectation of privacy with digital services Consumers have rising expectations that access to personal data, like email or location, is protected, similar to digital services like email. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Vehicles equipped with internet connectivity for features like remote unlocking, tracking, and control. 5 c8d150245946711592963efc9111e3f5
Technology that allows for detailed tracking of vehicle location over extended periods, raising privacy concerns. 5 c8d150245946711592963efc9111e3f5
Vulnerabilities in web-based systems that manage vehicle features, potentially allowing unauthorized access and control. 4 c8d150245946711592963efc9111e3f5
Increasing collection of personal data by car manufacturers from drivers, often without their full awareness. 5 c8d150245946711592963efc9111e3f5
Implementation of cybersecurity protocols to protect against hacking and unauthorized data access in vehicles. 4 c8d150245946711592963efc9111e3f5
Integration of vehicle systems with cloud services for data storage and management. 4 c8d150245946711592963efc9111e3f5

Issues

name description relevancy
Automotive Cybersecurity Threats The discovery of vulnerabilities in Subaru’s web portal highlights significant risks in the cybersecurity of internet-connected vehicles. 5
Privacy Concerns with Location Tracking The ability to track a car’s location history raises serious privacy issues for consumers regarding their movements being monitored. 5
Employee Access to Personal Data The ease with which employees can access sensitive data, including location history, poses risks to consumer privacy. 4
Insufficient Data Protection Regulations The lack of robust regulations governing the collection and sharing of personal data by car manufacturers is alarming. 5
Public Awareness of Data Collection Practices Consumers are largely unaware of how much data is being collected by car manufacturers, leading to potential misuse. 4
Cross-manufacturer Security Vulnerabilities Similar vulnerabilities affecting multiple car manufacturers indicate a widespread, systemic issue in the automotive industry. 5
Corporate Accountability for Data Misuse The implications of data misuse and tracking without consumer knowledge raise questions about corporate responsibility. 4
Legislation for Data Tracking Transparency Calls for legislation to limit car data tracking and ensure consumer consent highlight ongoing privacy concerns. 5