The 2025 Connected Car Cyber Safety & Security Index, published by RunSafe Security, surveyed 2,000 drivers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. It found that 76 percent worry cyber intrusions could trigger accidents or put their lives in danger. A striking 79 percent said they prioritize physical safety over the protection of personal data stored in their vehicles, reflecting a growing perception that automotive cybersecurity is a matter of life and death rather than just privacy.
The study highlights a widening gap between consumer expectations and automaker action. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said cybersecurity affects their purchasing decisions, with more than a third willing to pay extra for enhanced protections. Some said they would forgo newer, more connected models in favor of older vehicles to avoid potential risks.
The concerns are fueled in part by the increasingly complex “supply web” of software and artificial intelligence providers in modern vehicles. Eighty-three percent of those surveyed called for greater transparency in the software supply chain, and 85 percent said they would be more anxious if AI features came from outside companies rather than the automaker itself.
Key Findings from the Report (in reverse order):
- Brand loyalty at stake: 37% of drivers said they would switch to another brand if their preferred vehicle were found to be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Premium pricing acceptance: 35% are willing to pay more for enhanced cybersecurity protection, turning safety measures into a potential revenue opportunity.
- AI anxiety escalates: 85% of respondents expressed greater concern over cybersecurity risks if AI features were developed by external companies rather than automakers.
- Avoidance behaviors: 70% would consider purchasing older, less connected vehicles to minimize exposure to cyber threats.
- Purchase power: 87% indicated that strong cybersecurity influences their buying decisions, with 35% willing to pay a premium for enhanced protection.
- Software supply chain transparency demands: 83% want automakers to disclose software sources, while 77% see third-party components as significant cybersecurity risks.
Real-world incidents have underscored the stakes. A 2015 Jeep Cherokee hack allowed researchers to remotely disable a vehicle’s brakes on the highway, forcing a recall of 1.4 million cars. More recently, a Bluetooth flaw dubbed “PerfektBlue” exposed millions of vehicles to remote unlocking and potential system access without physical contact.
“Connected cars have become computers on wheels, and with that transformation comes new risks,” said Joe Saunders, chief executive of RunSafe Security. “Cybersecurity is now an essential part of the car-buying process. Automakers who lead on transparency and proactive protection will have an edge, while those who lag risk losing market share — or even pushing drivers away from connected vehicles entirely.”
Download the full report here.
