Paige Henley
Published on: March 19, 2025
Google’s latest Pixel Feature Drop introduces in-car gaming via Android Auto, aiming to entertain passengers while vehicles are parked. However, cybersecurity experts warn this feature could open new attack vectors for hackers.
Past incidents highlight these dangers. In 2015, security researchers remotely took control of a Jeep Cherokee, affecting its steering, transmission, and brakes. A BMW vulnerability once allowed unauthorized remote unlocking, and hackers at Pwn2Own exploited a Tesla Model 3’s trunk and doors while in motion.
Cybersecurity expert Liudas Kanapienis, CEO and Co-founder of Ondato, has raised concerns about the growing cybersecurity risks as vehicles become more connected:
“Entertainment features cannot come at the expense of cybersecurity, which will require cooperation from both the automakers and tech companies,” Kanapienis said. “While gaming in a car seems harmless, this situation could provide more entry points for hackers to take advantage of.”
He warns that hackers could exploit in-car gaming systems to access critical vehicle controls, personal data, or install malware.
Kanapienis urges companies like Google to implement intrusion detection systems, encryption, and regular security checks to ensure entertainment features don’t compromise vehicle safety. Experts also call for stricter regulations on how software-driven car features interact with vehicle systems.
