Sens. Blumenthal, Markey Introduce Legislation to Protect Drivers from Auto Security, Privacy Risks with Standards & "Cyber Dashboard" Rating System

Press Release

As both Congress and the federal government struggle to develop a strategy for the Internet of Things and responding to the increasing use of connected devices, including automobiles, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), members of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today introduced legislation that would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish federal standards to secure our cars and protect drivers' privacy. The Security and Privacy in Your Car (SPY Car) Act also establishes a rating system -- or "cyber dashboard"-- that informs consumers about how well the vehicle protects drivers' security and privacy beyond those minimum standards.

Last year, Senator Markey released the report Tracking & Hacking: Security & Privacy Gaps Put American Drivers at Risk, which detailed major gaps in how auto companies are securing connected features in cars against hackers. For example, only two of the 16 car companies had developed any capability to detect and respond to a hacking attack in real time and, and most customers don't even know that their information is being collected and sent to third parties.

"Rushing to roll out the next big thing, automakers have left cars unlocked to hackers and data-trackers," said Senator Blumenthal. "This common-sense legislation protects the public against cybercriminals who exploit exciting advances in technology like self-driving and wireless connected cars. Federal law must provide minimum standards and safeguards that keep hackers out of drivers' private data lanes. Security and safety need not be sacrificed for the convenience and promise of wireless progress. I thank Senator Markey for his leadership and profoundly significant fact-finding in protecting consumers. The road to new auto technology is wide enough for both progress and privacy."

"Drivers shouldn't have to choose between being connected and being protected," said Senator Markey. "We need clear rules of the road that protect cars from hackers and American families from data trackers. This legislation will set minimum standards and transparency rules to protect the data, security and privacy of drivers in the modern age of increasingly connected vehicles. I look forward to working with Senator Blumenthal to ensure auto safety and security in the 21st century."

"We feel that as cars become more connected, software security becomes more important," said Chris Valasek, Director of Vehicle Security Research at IOActive and Charlie Miller, security researcher. "In addition to robust, well-tested software, technology for monitoring, logging, detecting, and possibly stopping attacks should also be implemented.

"As America's vehicles become more and more connected to the internet, and wireless vehicle to vehicle technology adds important safety to tomorrow's cars, vital security and privacy concerns need to be addressed as well," said Jack Gillis, Consumer Federation of America. "Senator Markey and Blumenthal's SPY Car Act will help prevent hacking attacks and insure personal privacy as new vehicle safety and monitoring technology is introduced."

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