Cybersecurity for Connected Cars: How NOC and SOC Prevent Threats

November 28, 2024

Connected cars offer convenience but are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Discover how PJ Networks’ NOC and SOC services protect vehicles in real-time.

Hey there—this is Sanjay Seth from P J Networks, typing away at my desk after coffee number three. And let me tell you, today’s topic is one I’m really excited about: connected cars and how they benefit from 24/7 monitoring and proactive SOC defenses. Seriously, we’re living in an era where your car can be just as connected as your smartphones.

Evolution of Connected Cars

Remember the early days of car alarms and cassette players? Yeah, those were the times when I was just starting out as a network admin back in 1993. Technology has come a long way since then. Today’s cars aren’t just modes of transport; they’re nodes on a network—loaded with sensors, computers, and communication interfaces.

Connected cars can provide real-time traffic data, integrate with your smartphone, and even receive over-the-air updates. They’re basically computers on wheels. But—here’s the kicker—this connectivity also opens up avenues for cyber threats.

Risks: Data Theft and Remote Control

Let’s cut to the chase. There are two major cybersecurity risks associated with connected cars that keep me up at night:

Data Theft: Just like in any network, data stolen from a connected car could be invaluable. Think vehicle location, driver behavior, or even credit card info if you’re using the infotainment system to pay for coffee or gas.
Remote Control: This is the scary one—the ability to remotely control vehicle functionalities like steering, brakes, and acceleration. It’s not just hypothetical either; there have been demonstrations showing how hackers can take control of a vehicle remotely.

NOC/SOC Proactive Measures

Here at P J Networks, we’ve seen the challenges—and we’ve developed some key NOC/SOC strategies to combat them. Our Security Operation Center operates like a hawk, watching over our clients’ networks like a mother hen.

But here’s the thing: 24/7 monitoring and swift incident response can’t be emphasized enough. What happens when a security event is detected? Do we just hit the panic button?

No, we follow a proactive incident response plan.
We isolate affected components.
Analyze data swiftly to identify the threat—then contain, eradicate, and recover.
Regularly update security patches and firewall rules (seriously, stop delaying your updates).

While I’ve seen more nights than I’d care to admit dealing with worms like the infamous Slammer, these days we’ve got better tools—although I’m still skeptical of anything labeled “AI-powered.”

PJ Networks’ Fortinet Solutions

Here’s where we really shine. Our Fortinet solutions are designed for not just tackling current cyber threats, but looking ahead to prevent future ones. We’ve recently helped three banks upgrade their zero-trust architecture. And let me tell you, the results are promising.

With our Fortinet integration, we ensure:

**Real-time threat intel** leveraging Fortinet’s security fabric.
**Seamless firewall integration**, protecting not just corporate data but also the growing mobile connectivity in cars.
**Comprehensive endpoint protection**, because what’s the use of having solid servers if your endpoints are like open doors?

Quick Take

Connected cars are fantastic but come with risks like data theft and remote control vulnerabilities.
NOC/SOC teams must remain proactive with constant monitoring and response tactics.
PJ Networks uses Fortinet to shield connected vehicles from threats. Including the ones we haven’t thought of yet.

And there you have it. Like I said, some might argue that the risks outweigh the benefits—but I’m not buying it. Every new technology comes with risks, but with the right strategies, you can manage them effectively. We’re in a new age of connectivity, and just like when I was dealing with voice and data networking mux over PSTN, the key is to adapt. So buckle up and stay safe—until next time, folks!