Quick Takeaways
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Consumer Distrust: Only 19% of connected car drivers feel confident in their vehicles’ cybersecurity, while 76% fear cyberattacks could endanger lives or cause accidents.
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Growing Concerns: The survey reveals that 79% of drivers prioritize safety from cyber-related incidents over data protection, showing a shift in consumer focus toward cybersecurity in vehicles.
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Impact on Purchasing: A significant 87% of consumers are influenced by strong cybersecurity in their buying decisions, with 35% willing to pay more for enhanced protection.
- Urgent Industry Response Needed: Automakers must prioritize transparency and proactive security measures to maintain customer loyalty, as 37% would switch brands if cybersecurity vulnerabilities are exposed.
Growing Awareness Outpaces Automaker Action
RunSafe Security recently unveiled its 2025 Connected Car Cyber Safety & Security Index at a major industry summit. This report highlights a pressing issue: only 19% of connected car drivers feel confident about their vehicles’ safety against cyberattacks. Meanwhile, a striking 76% express concerns that such attacks could cause accidents or endanger lives.
Interestingly, this research, which surveyed 2,000 car owners from the U.S., the UK, and Germany, shows that consumer awareness of cybersecurity risks is advancing quicker than automakers’ responses. Consumers now factor cybersecurity into both their driving behaviors and purchasing decisions. This shift forces automakers to recognize cybersecurity as a critical aspect of their competitiveness. They must act swiftly to regain consumer trust.
Key Findings from the 2025 Index
The index uncovers alarming consumer priorities. For instance, 79% of drivers prioritize protecting themselves from cyber-related accidents over the security of their personal data stored in vehicles. Additionally, 65% fear remote hacking, linked to increasing dependence on AI and complex software supply chains.
Consumers demand more transparency; 83% want automakers to disclose the software sources used in their cars. Moreover, 77% see third-party components as significant security threats. Such concerns directly affect purchasing behavior: 87% indicate that strong cybersecurity influences their choices, with 35% willing to pay extra for enhanced protection. Interestingly, 70% would consider older, less-connected vehicles to reduce cyber risks.
These sentiments reflect a changing automotive landscape. As cars evolve into complex computers, consumers perceive cybersecurity risks as vital to their safety. Automakers must respond to these insights to avoid losing potential customers and jeopardizing their market position. The industry stands at a vital crossroads where proactive measures can lead to greater consumer confidence and safety in connected vehicles.
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