Media Alert: Public Knowledge Hosts Connected Car Security Flaws Briefing December 6
Media Alert: Public Knowledge Hosts Connected Car Security Flaws Briefing December 6
Media Alert: Public Knowledge Hosts Connected Car Security Flaws Briefing December 6

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    This event has been rescheduled due to time conflicts and to better accommodate panelists. We will announce a new date at a later time. Please contact Shiva Stella with media inquiries.


    Public Knowledge will host a briefing on the automotive industry’s dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) technology Tuesday, December 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Room G11. The briefing, “Cybersecurity Vulnerability in Connected Vehicles: A Viral Threat,” features U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and will discuss the technology’s threats posed to our privacy and cybersecurity as revealed by researcher Alex Kreilein of SecureSet in his latest report, “Security Considerations for Connected Vehicles and Dedicated Short Range Communications.”

    In 2014, the automotive industry lobbied the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into proposing that DSRC — an automotive-developed technology designed to support both safety and commercial applications — be mandatory for all cars. Although NHTSA is not expected to issue a final rule until 2017 at the earliest, GM began deploying DSRC in September, before NHTSA could issue a determination on whether DSRC meets necessary privacy and cybersecurity standards.

    As cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur Alex Kreilein will explain, existing DSRC technology makes cars easily identifiable, permitting tracking by third-parties and making DSRC-enabled vehicles targets for hackers. In particular, the decision to use DSRC spectrum and devices to support commercial applications dramatically increases the risk of cyber attacks and identity theft to drivers.

    After the report summary, a panel of consumer advocates will discuss how deployment of existing DSRC technology impacts Americans’ safety, privacy, and security; and what must happen to make DSRC safe to drive at any speed.

    Both members of the press and Congressional staff are encouraged to attend. Additional panelists may be confirmed at a later date.

    Panelists include:

    • Alex Kreilein – Managing Partner of SecureSet Accelerator and Co-founder of SecureSet
    • Jack Gillis – Director of Public Affairs, Consumer Federation of America
    • Susan Grant – Director of Consumer Protection & Privacy, Consumer Federation of America
    • William Wallace – Policy Analyst, Consumers Union
    • Katie McInnis – Policy Counsel, Consumers Union
    • John Gasparini – Policy Fellow, Public Knowledge (Moderator)

     

    Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.