Modern vehicles are more connected than ever before, but that convenience comes with a growing cybersecurity risk. With cars now functioning much like smartphones on wheels, experts say it’s only a matter of time before cyber criminals turn greater attention to the automotive world. Over the past decade, vehicles have rapidly evolved into highly digitised machines, often equipped with built-in internet connectivity, smartphone integration and over-the-air software updates. While these features enhance usability, they also introduce new vulnerabilities. As one industry expert explains, cars today are effectively “internet devices” – and that makes them potential targets. The risks aren’t purely theoretical. Early research demonstrated that hackers could remotely access a vehicle’s electronic systems, even interfering with critical functions such as braking or engine operation. While real-world incidents remain rare, the potential consequences have driven tighter global regulations, including mandatory cybersecurity standards for new vehicles introduced in recent years. A real-world example of how disruptive cyber attacks can be came with the ransomware hit on Jaguar Land Rover. The attack crippled the company’s IT systems, forcing a shutdown of production lines and delaying vehicle deliveries for weeks. Customers were left waiting longer for new cars, while servicing and parts supply were also impacted. The incident showed that even when vehicles themselves aren’t directly hacked, the wider automotive ecosystem – from manufacturing to aftersales – can be severely affected. AutoExpress recently visited Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced technology facility in Frankfurt, Germany, where cybersecurity is treated as a core part of vehicle development. The site houses a dedicated laboratory focused on testing and strengthening digital defences across Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models. The facility also plays a key role in developing over-the-air software updates, which allow manufacturers to fix vulnerabilities remotely. Hyundai engineers liken the current state of automotive cybersecurity to the early