Harman showcases anti-hacking car tech live at CES 2017

Technology company Harman is demonstrating anti-hacking software live at the Consumer Electronics Show – an industry first in the automotive technology security sector. 

The live hack, which Harman claims will be the first live demonstration of a car cyber hack and subsequent solution, will address the growing concern in the car industry surrounding the security in an increasingly connected car, as well as cars which communicate with one another, and an increasing number of remote access functions across the industry.

Harman’s director of business and marketing for automotive cyber security, Asaf Atzmon, said: “A few years ago the concept of automotive cyber security was largely confined to industry experts. Now it’s a topic that consumers are asking about. According to a recent survey, in some countries as many as 59 per cent of buyers are actively concerned about the prospect of car hacking.”

The company, which has turned its hand to connectivity technology, as well as autonomous tech, is holding a live demonstration of anti-hacking measures at CES, in new software which can be retrofitted without the addition of new hardware.

Harman’s ‘comprehensive cybersecurity and management solition’ will initiate a hacker mode in the company’s in-car tech, which can combat attacks from third parties.

Harman has previously outlined plans for security technology, detailing the need for layers of security around the head unit of the car, which could potentially be hacked, and give access to more delicate areas of the car’s electrical systems, and more safety-vital components. Previous hacks of Jeep,Volkswagen and Tesla cars have sparked concerns about the security of ever more connected and autonomous cars, as rapid progress in these areas is marred by security weaknesses. 

Harman is also showing its range of in-car technologies at CES, including an aftermarket heads-up display, a new ‘on-the-go’ portable infotainment head unit for small cars and its next generation of audio systems, as well as autonomous technologies on the Rinspeed Oasis and Chrysler Portal concepts.