Many of today's new vehicles are as much about computing as they are about transportation. Consider this: Some automobiles manufactured recently include as many as 3,000 microchips, according to the National Cybersecurity Alliance. That can make such tasks as navigation and entertainment streaming a breeze. Many connected cars and trucks also feature the impressive ability to diagnose their own mechanical problems. But like any digital device in the Internet of Things — including phones, appliances, cameras and more — high-tech vehicles create fresh opportunities for bad actors to access personal information and even take control of the machine's systems and functionality. "The automotive industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as vehicles become increasingly integrated with digital systems," Vikash Chaudhary, CEO of HackerEra, said in a recent article in The Economic Times. "With this evolution comes the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential." Cybersecurity experts advise new car shoppers in 2024 do more than kick the tires of a prospective vehicle. They also advise drivers to evaluate cybersecurity functionality in any automobile with digital systems. Connected car owners should look at such features as: |

• Device and software compatibility;
• Included security features; and
• Ongoing technical support.

Once the vehicle has been purchased, cybersecurity should be an ongoing concern. The slideshow above illustrates 10 steps the owners of connected vehicles can take to safeguard that automobile from hackers, according to The Economic Times. See also: |

• Most connected car drivers aren't unlocking premium discounts with data
• Integrating connected cars into insurance supply chains
• The connected car—from threat to opportunity