Hyundai AutoEver Corporation, Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) “mobility software provider”, has announced it is expanding its automotive cybersecurity operations to combat the growing threat to the auto industry’s transition to connected vehicles.

Hyundai AutoEver’s chief information security officer, Choi Won-Hyuk, told reporters this week that his company recently transformed its existing IT security centre into a new cybersecurity division staffed by some 200 software engineers focused on protecting Hyundai and Kia vehicles from the growing threat of cyber-attacks.

Mr Choi confirmed that “hacking attacks using artificial intelligence are on the rise”. Earlier this year HMG’s chairman Chung Euisun highlighted the automaker’s need to improve its automotive cybersecurity technology. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, according to industry analysts.

With more than seven million connected vehicles in operation in South Korea alone, this represents a significant challenge as well as a business opportunity for the company. Mr Choi confirmed his company “aims to provide customers with world-class security, including the best defenses against potential attacks, in areas such as connected cars, the cloud and smart factories."