Picture this: You are on a road trip in your high-tech, self-driving car. The onboard AI is handling the route while you relax, maybe even catching up on a podcast. Suddenly, your car’s dashboard flashes with an alert.

Before you know it, you’ve lost control, and your personal data—location, payment information, and even private conversations—have been stolen by a hacker. This is not a scene from a dystopian future but a real threat in today’s world of connected cars.

As vehicles have evolved to be smarter and more autonomous, they’ve become more susceptible to cyberattacks. In one notorious case from 2015, two security researchers remotely hacked into a Jeep Cherokee, taking control of the vehicle from miles away.

Their experiment, intended to expose vulnerabilities, caused Fiat Chrysler to recall 1.4 million vehicles for security upgrades. This was a wake-up call for the entire auto industry.

More recently, Tesla has faced multiple security challenges. In 2020, a cybersecurity researcher uncovered a vulnerability in the Tesla Model 3’s keyless entry system, allowing a hacker to unlock the car and start it without the owner’s knowledge.

These incidents underline a critical issue: as cars get smarter, they also become prime targets for cybercriminals.

The rise of decentralised security in mobility

With these growing threats, the traditional ways of securing vehicles are being rethought. Centralised systems, where all the data is stored and managed in one place, are increasingly seen as too vulnerable. If a hacker breaches the central system, they can access a treasure trove of sensitive data. To counter this, a new approach is gaining traction: Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Networks, or DePIN.

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DePIN shifts the focus from centralised to decentralised security, using blockchain technology to distribute and secure data across a network. This decentralised approach means the overall system remains secure even if one part of the network is compromised. It is like adding multiple locks to every door in a building rather than relying on just one main entrance. This also means adding extra layers of security, providing much-needed additional defense so malicious attackers do not just breach easily.

Industry solutions: Beyond just one player

Several companies are pioneering this decentralised approach to automotive cybersecurity. One example is Helium, which is known for creating a decentralised wireless network that could be leveraged for secure vehicle communications. Their network, which relies on thousands of small, independent nodes rather than a single central point, exemplifies the potential of DePIN in securing data exchanges between vehicles and infrastructure.

Moving forward, companies like Soarchain are also stepping into this arena, utilising blockchain to create a decentralised network for mobility. By securing real-time data transactions across vehicles, infrastructure, and service providers, Soarchain is helping to lay the groundwork for a safer, more interconnected automotive ecosystem.

While their approach might not make headlines daily, it is part of a broader movement toward securing the future of mobility through decentralisation.

Soarchain’s blockchain-based infrastructure is designed to enable secure, real-time data transactions between vehicles, infrastructures, and service providers within the mobility ecosystem. The company is partnering with major industry leaders such as Suzuki, Maruti, and Ford, including active collaborations with Hyundai and Volvo. Soarchain is working closely with Maruti Suzuki to develop advanced road monitoring systems, leveraging real-time data to improve road safety and enhance mobility solutions.

“Soarchain utilises the vehicle data to create an appstore of mobility. It would provide a number of different applications like vehicle predictive maintenance, green drive, pay how-you-drive vehicle insurances, ride hailing, road monitoring and traffic flow management, emergency roadside assistance, smart parking etc,” said Kerem Ozkan, Co-Founder of Soarchain.

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This network addresses key challenges in modern mobility by providing a decentralised platform that ensures data integrity, transparency, and privacy, which is crucial for the seamless functioning of connected vehicles and smart infrastructure.

Looking forward: A safer road ahead

As the automotive industry continues to innovate, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Vehicles are no longer just modes of transportation; they are data hubs on wheels. Protecting the information they generate is crucial not only for personal privacy but also for public safety.

The shift towards decentralised security models like DePIN represents a significant step forward. By distributing data across a network rather than centralising it, companies are making it harder for hackers to find a single point of attack. This doesn’t mean the threat will disappear overnight, but it creates a more resilient system to better protect against breaches—adding multiple layers of defensive walls before the attacker can successfully break in.

In the coming years, as more companies adopt decentralised approaches, we can expect to see a transformation in how vehicle security is handled. Whether through Helium’s network or Soarchain’s blockchain-based solutions, the future of mobility security is moving towards a more decentralised and ultimately safer model.

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