Open Roads, Open Source: The Risks of Software-Driven Cars

Cars are no longer just machines—they have become rolling computers. Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) mark a major shift from hardware-based controls to flexible, updatable software platforms. This new approach enables rapid innovation and continuous upgrades, similar to how smartphones evolve over time. However, this flexibility introduces significant risks. Open-source components and increased connectivity create more opportunities for cyberattacks. Automakers now face a new challenge: acting as software managers, thoroughly reviewing every line of code and overseeing external contributions to ensure safety and reliability. In this episode, Ken discusses how the industry is actively addressing these issues, learning from past high-profile recalls caused by hacking vulnerabilities—and highlights why cybersecurity vigilance is crucial for the future of connected mobility.