Autonomous Driving Series: The Future Is Now

Session 2 - A Collision Course or a Speedbump: IoT Vulnerabilities and Cybersecurity

For the second session of our discussion series on autonomous driving, Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to present a distinguished panel of thought leaders who focus on cybersecurity and privacy issues triggered by the advent of autonomous vehicles.

Like all technological innovation, the threat of cyber breaches in AVs are as real as white hat hackers have shown with some high-profile vehicle breaches. Automotive and technology companies are taking these threats seriously. Many companies are also working with these hackers to identify and correct security vulnerabilities in their vehicles, such as those related to the OBD-II ports. In addition, Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC), which represents automotive manufacturers and suppliers, recently released a best practice guide for automotive cybersecurity to help address these challenges.

In this age of big data, there are serious concerns about consumer privacy protection, with many questioning how companies will use the personal data they collect from self-driving cars and how this might be regulated. Last year, US Senators proposed legislation that would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Trade Commission to establish federal standards to secure our cars and protect drivers’ privacy.

The proposed legislation tackles cybersecurity in relation to hacks, privacy standards and a “cyber dashboard” rating systems for vehicles. NHTSA is supportive of autonomous vehicle technology and continues to provide guidelines; however, whether the necessary laws will be in place when these vehicles hit the road remains uncertain.

At this session, our panel of thought leaders will discuss how best to address:

• Legal Status: What do autonomous vehicle manufacturers and technology companies need to know about the current state of legislation in the US and abroad regarding cybersecurity and data protection?
• Compliance: What are the steps organizations in this industry need to take to ensure compliance today? Will these steps still be relevant when these cars begin to be sold to the general public?
• Consumer Privacy: Are consumers’ privacy concerns overblown or realistic threats? How are manufacturers planning to address these concerns?
• Security Infrastructure: What further security infrastructure is needed to safeguard passengers and assure the public (and potential consumers) of the safety and security of such vehicles?

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

5:30 – 6 p.m: Registration

6 – 7 p.m: Program

7 – 8 p.m: Reception