Smart Cars and Information Security
Purpose:
‘Smart cars’ use a great variety of data in order to operate. They obtain this from the surrounding area using sensor technology and other available resources. The drivers and passengers of such vehicles transfer different data by connecting their mobile devices with smart-vehicle systems (and by using various apps). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problem of user data security in smart cars and to provide an insight into the general knowledge regarding such issues held by those who drive smart cars (both private and commercial users).
Methods:
The results are based on descriptive findings arising from a literature review and a research study conducted among the Slovenian population via the “1ka.si” online portal.
Findings:
The research conducted and presented in this paper shows that the use of mobile devices and their applications, which are connected to a smart car, constitute one of the biggest risks to information security in smart cars. Drivers are aware of such risks, but consider them to be a secondary concern. In addition, the lack of a uniform definition of smart cars points to a new under researched area concerning the information security of smart devices (such as cars, mobile devices etc.). Such issues pose a problem for smart car manufacturers and application developers as well as the users of mobile devices.
Research Limitations:
The main limitation of the research study is that the target population does not possess much knowledge about the discussed topic and related issues.
Practical Implications:
The research study’s findings provide an insight into data security issues (which also serve as practical implications) concerning the use of smart cars.
Originality/Value:
The findings of the paper may prove useful for both the users and owners of smart vehicles in general as well as the manufacturers of mobile devices since the relevant data flows take place at the level of smart devices. The key challenge involves the owner of a single device and the level of information security knowledge they possess.
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Keywords: smart cars, information security, data security, personal data, mobile devices, connectivity