The lack of “designed-in” security is a major issue in self-driving vehicles. As these vehicles become more prevalent on the roads, the potential for cyber attacks and hacking increases. In a study conducted by Kshetri and Voas (2018), it was found that “the security of self-driving cars is a major concern for consumers, manufacturers, and regulators alike” (p. 1). This concern is not unfounded, as demonstrated by a recent incident where a self-driving Uber vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona (Schoon, 2018). The incident was attributed to a software glitch that failed to detect the pedestrian, highlighting the need for robust security measures in self-driving vehicles.

Furthermore, the lack of “designed-in” security can also lead to privacy concerns. As self-driving vehicles collect vast amounts of data on their passengers and surroundings, there is a risk that this data could be accessed by unauthorized parties. In a study by Kshetri and Voas (2018), it was found that “privacy concerns are a major issue for consumers, who are worried about the collection and use of their personal data by self-driving cars” (p. 2). This highlights the need for strong data protection measures to be built into the design of self-driving vehicles.

In addition, the lack of “designed-in” security can also have legal implications. As self-driving vehicles become more common, there is a need for clear regulations and standards to ensure their safety and security. However, as noted by Kshetri and Voas (2018), “the legal framework for self-driving cars is still in its infancy, and there is a lack of clarity around liability and responsibility in the event of an accident or cyber attack” (p. 3). This lack of clarity could lead to legal disputes and delays in the adoption of self-driving vehicles.

In conclusion, the lack of “designed-in” security is a significant issue in self-driving vehicles. As these vehicles become more prevalent on the roads, it is essential that robust security measures are built into their design to prevent cyber attacks and protect passenger privacy. Additionally, clear regulations and standards are needed to ensure the safety and security of self-driving vehicles.

References: Kshetri, N., & Voas, J. (2018). Security and privacy issues in self-driving cars. Computer, 51(2), 46-53. Schoon, B. (2018). Uber’s self-driving car killed a pedestrian. Here’s what it means. Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/uber-self-driving-car-kills-pedestrian-what-it-means/