Dem senators reintroduce cybersecurity bills for cars, planes

Democratic Sens. Ed Markey (Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are reintroducing two bills aimed at improving cybersecurity in automobiles and airplanes. 

“Whether in their cars on the road or in aircraft in the sky, Americans should be protected from cyberattack and violations of their privacy,” said Markey in a joint press release announcing the legislation on Wednesday.  

“If hackers access the critical systems of a car or plane, disaster could ensue and our public safety could be compromised.”

{mosads}The two bills, one for each form of transportation, were first introduced last session of Congress. 

The Security and Privacy in Your Car (SPY Car) Act would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Trade Commission to develop automotive cybersecurity and privacy standards. It also calls for a “cyber dashboard” rating system that would inform consumers how cars went above and beyond those standards. 

The Cybersecurity Standards for Aircraft to Improve Resilience (Cyber AIR) Act would introduce a bevy of new baseline standards for air carriers. Companies would have to take “reasonable measures” to prevent cyber attacks, including testing and maintenance, and secure wifi access on airplanes. Carriers and manufacturers would also need to disclose attacks on airplane systems. 

“As technology rapidly advances, we must ensure the auto and airline industries protect their systems from cybersecurity attacks,” said Blumenthal.