The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) welcomed Iain O’Brien to promote cybercrime awareness and its growing threat at its Breakfast Network Meeting.
O’Brien, from Triple World Associates LLP, demonstrated a wide range of threats, from telephone fraud to the growing threat of ransomware where users seize control of a company’s key data and then request a fee for the decryption code. .
IAAF Chief Executive, Wendy Williamson, opened the meeting providing an update of the federation’s latest activity, including tackling ongoing issues surrounding the connected car and its battle to ensure the independent aftermarket receives access to the RMI via the OBD port and is able to access the same level of information as vehicle manufacturers (VMs).
O’Brien stepped up to stress the importance of preparation, encouraging companies to manage the potential threat of cybercrime at senior management level by training, briefing and practising the danger with employees.
With cybercrime increasingly recognised as the most popular form of crime, O’Brien warned the independent aftermarket to protect personal data where possible as it is a commodity and is also urging the industry to be aware of social engineering as fraudsters are capable of cloning an individual’s cyber profile after gathering online and social media information.
