/r/Whistleblowers

Photograph via snooOG

A place to report abuse and dishonesty by the people with power.

For those that see something wrong and speak out. This subreddit is for news and discussion of whistle blowers and topics there in related.

Rules

  1. If you have multiple images/videos try to make a single text submission which links to all of them.

/r/Whistleblowers

15,502 Subscribers

3

GE execs get kickbacks from vendors **whistleblower**

Names and vendor list released in few days Travel Spouse travel Hotel stays Car payments Children tuition payment Mortgage payment Food and alcohol Burner phones

0 Comments
2024/05/11
19:20 UTC

2

CMH-CEI Lansing Michigan

CMH-CEI has a lot of problems. It’s very scary to have witnessed this myself. Their work culture thrives around bullying and management 1000% is a part of it. Some even manipulate others into doing the same. You must drink the cool aid or be taken out.

I whistled blowed and I began to be harassed and bullied severely by what seemed like everyone at CMH. It was if everyone was in on this secret that was terrible about me; and I didn’t even know what I could of done that was terrible enough to deserve this.

They bride consumers/clients to partake. And they try to block you from leaving reviews. Look up reviews for CMH for yourself on other platforms, many people have similar experiences of bullying and harassment.

0 Comments
2024/05/09
16:25 UTC

6

Any company/CEO in synbio/biotech rn that you know for a fact is a complete con (artist)?

I have one company/guy in mind, and I genuinely want to know if people have had the same experience with this psycho?? If you’re willing to call him out, please comment. I know that’s vague but read description below. Please try to avoid throwing shade at me, i have zero interest in getting any sort of personal benefits out of this, i just don’t want this POS to continue scamming his way through this industry.

I thought about calling him/the company right out directly in this original post but part of me needs reassurance i think, that there are actually people who know exactly who tf im talking about and will openly acknowledge his fuckery. He’s so obvious about it, he thinks he’ll never get caught.

I can’t fathom how he hasn’t been completely blacklisted from the entire synbio/biotech industry at this point. Honestly I have zero interest in getting personal vengeance or retribution, but i can’t ethically sit back and say nothing when I see this guy stillll out there posting on LinkedIn blatant lies about his company and, putting out a ridiculously misleading persona to people. I’m not even sure if his education and experience is legitimate at this point (I can’t find any records of him tied to 90% of the stuff on his profile).

It’s baffling to me that he still hasn’t been called out for his fraudulent and illegal conduct??? Everyone I’ve talked to has the same general view, either explicitly or implicitly on him and his ‘ways’ yet he’s still out there conning companies, people and investors out of millions of dollars.

Background on post: Worked for a ‘synbio’ company briefly last year, and shortly after getting hired, I discovered that almost everything they had going for them was nothing but smoke and mirrors. The ceo was a complete snake oil salesman and would blatantly lie about everything !! To investors, to manufacturing partners, customers, you name it!

All the claims they made were either completely distorted from reality or outright lies. I was witness to tons of illegal stuff going on in the short time I worked there (saved all the records and evidence). The most messed up part is that not only did the ceo know about the shitstorm his company was creating, he is an active participant in it (most times he gave the directions).

I know im not the only person who is aware of whats going on with this guy bc I spoke to coworkers at the time who agreed it was wrong but just chose to turn a blind eye so they didn’t lose their job and could pay their bills.

This guy is demented, and lies about the most blatant things. One example is that he puts the B corp certification logo all over his decks and website even though he can’t even explain what having b corp cert is when asked. That’s not even the tip of the iceberg of what he’s done, that’s just a pretty obviously wrong example. I once heard him say that people are too dumb to question something that abhorrent in plain sight either way.

I got iced when I wouldn’t play his game and told them I refused to break the law for them. Reported them and him to the irs and department of labour. Handed over all my records of the batshit crazy stuff that went down.

I know I did all I could to ensure the specific stuff I saw and witnessed got investigated but part of me feels guilty that he could potentially fuck over more people and companies nd I did nothing else to stop him or at least give people enough information about him to come to their own conclusion about whether to do business with him???

Maybe I just need to let sleeping dogs lie? I don’t know anymore

5 Comments
2024/05/08
04:03 UTC

4

If I contacted HR for retaliation and a district GM came to investigate is it bias? because my GM in the district GM are colleagues and possible friends

If I blew the whistle because after I made a complaint to my hotel GM that there was unethical things going on between employee and employee, and guess an employees, gossip retaliation and harassment including sexual harassment against me. Then the GM took one of my five days away and gave me four days a week mind you all of the employees I complained on I have been there over a year. I have been there a month and a half and I also let the manager know he was doing some unfair things illegal and it was dangerous work conditions…. So I contacted the district GM made a complaint. The next day my GM asked me did. I add him in the complaint and he knew I made the complaint The next day my GM asked me did. I add him in the complaint and he knew I made the complaint. five days later district GM came out to do a investigation now. Everybody has turned on me except for a few good employees. Is this a conflict of interest and wouldn’t the district GM be bias? The day the district GM came into interview me when I was leaving all the workers. I complaint against were there at the same time to give their statement. my heart dropped. I knew it was a set up now. Only because I’ve seen my GM at work he’s conniving. I am on leave because they said they have to investigate me for only because I’ve seen my GM at work he is conniving. Now I am on administrative leave and investigation for bigiory . That those employees corroborated the story during their interview saying I made those Bigotry remarks after my complaint. Does this seem fair?

2 Comments
2024/05/08
02:06 UTC

1

What happens when you report Medicare fraud?

0 Comments
2024/05/02
16:07 UTC

7

Inside knowledge

I'm looking for a group or chat that shares inside knowledge of the corrupt things that people see in their own workplace/industry that directly affects the general public.

If this doesn't already exist, maybe this can be the start.

I work in the auto repair industry in North America and have reached breaking point with the things I'm seeing.

5 Comments
2024/05/02
06:17 UTC

6

Battered ex military wife/Head of NATO Wives Club Tells all

Long but packed with info for those who like a good dig https://youtu.be/H98LzWwXYWA?si=pK6A-CLNkS8UTxO9

0 Comments
2024/05/01
17:28 UTC

3

The Hidden History of Diego Garcia

For the first time ever (in a short television segment in 2003) the world heard all. DIEGO GARCIA is now an extremely private military base. The process of removing the local inhabitants who called the island home was particularly... brutal. A piece of history uncovered. If interested watch below. https://youtu.be/cERpbl8qQ-8?si=qsJ1MrSiqW9cMIRN

0 Comments
2024/05/01
17:12 UTC

9

Please Donate

A man's going to jail in Australia for exposing war crimes that have ties back to the US and you can help by donating. The video's also extremely well made and fun to watch.

I'm broke but I just donated about £100 because fuck it life's too short.

https://youtu.be/sYt4CxFfQUU?si=25kovRpCkWONMxqU

https://chuffed.org/project/dpk4nvzkr4em

0 Comments
2024/04/29
13:40 UTC

2

NHS - can I update panorama?

I worked in a location which was featured as a panorama investigation but quit in March. The circumstances around me quitting were due to similar reasons evidenced in the panorama. All this happened post the panorama show. I want to raise a grievance anyway but I also want to report them to CQC and give an update to panorama as I fear they merely scratched the surface of the problem.

I just wondered what backlash I could expect to face, both legally and personally, before I do this as I now continue to work for NHS but under a different trust and if it would have implications for practice as I am a qualified nurse.

I am not seeking legal advice but merely opinions on whether it would get backlash in a legal sense. And whether there is a policy on things like these in workplaces?

2 Comments
2024/04/29
13:06 UTC

51

Before you whistleblow, think. You will have picked a hill to die on, it's a very lonely place.

I'm a "whistleblower". I worked for a fortune 40, multinational corporation. I saw something wrong and since my company had a strong, well documented, procedural ethical reporting policy- I spoke up. I'm here to tell, or confirm to you what really happens. You get eaten alive. Forget anything you've heard or read regarding "law" or some swift acting government agency saving the day. It doesn't work that way. You will be ignored by government agencies. You won't be able to get a lawyer in the near future and you will, eventually, take the first one that accepts your case. You'll become obsessed, spend 24-7 thinking, studying, learning about your case. Your friends and family will grow weary of listening to your one-track mind, eventually dismissing your narrative as a lost cause. (Because if you really had anything solid, you'd be okay. Right?) The people you're whistleblowing on (especially a fortune 40) have done this before, they have an "attrition process". Maybe they'll initiate an investigation, it'll take forever and produce nothing. They'll put you on unpaid leave or flat out fire you. They'll gaslight you, until you feel crazy, questioning your memory and perceptions. They'll bring your integrity and mental stability into question. They'll fight you EVERY step, causing you to hemorrhage money, wearing you down. Your co-workers will be feed "bits and pieces" of false narratives about you, muddying the waters and planting doubt about you, why you no longer work there, trying to destroy your reputation. The goal is: You must not "win" and if you do. You'll be so messed up, you won't want to redeem your reputation. You'll want to disappear and not tell anyone. You'll be to exhausted to tell anyone. IT IS HARDCORE MIND-F**KING TAKEN TO AN ART FORM! You need to decide if it's just about you, or public interest. Mines public interest. Bigger than I thought. (Much bigger, than what I originally thought) So, if I could do it all over, would I do it again? Honestly... I wish I never "saw something wrong" so I wouldn't have to choose. Sometimes ignorance is much better. (Honest answer)

32 Comments
2024/04/26
05:08 UTC

1

Gov NGOs contractor connection to trafficking (whistleblower)

0 Comments
2024/04/25
20:56 UTC

4

GOVT USING NGO'S TO HUMAN TRAFFICK CHILDREN. INSIDER TELLS ALL

0 Comments
2024/04/25
19:32 UTC

1

New Film by Andy Wakefield About Massive Whistleblower Case.

0 Comments
2024/04/22
17:25 UTC

2

An agency official shall not retaliate because an employee: 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9)

​An agency official shall not retaliate because an employee:

filed a complaint, grievance or appeal;

testified for or helped someone else with one of these activities;

cooperated with or disclosed information to the Special Counsel or an Inspector Genera​l; or,

refused to obey an order that​ would require the employee to violate a law, rule, or regulation.

5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9)

0 Comments
2024/04/21
15:28 UTC

6

How can you be fired on the spot without due process as a federal employee? After you submitted a OIG complaint. I am a veteran .

2 Comments
2024/04/21
05:37 UTC

0

Federal employment attorney

Seeking federal employment attorney. Preferably one who is seasoned, and has the balls to put in the work for potentially a high pay-out considering I was chased, handcuffed and detained for no reason. I have a copy of the violation ticket I received also. I was fired 2 months after I submitted the complaint to the inspector general for discrimination. There may be video of this event that could be subpoena. I have a lot of evidence.

1 Comment
2024/04/20
23:00 UTC

1

Aptiv PLC Data Collection risks

for the doc look here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AlYPZi5AVbLSTB1wupjZOyRjE4zOKo1x4Vyqz-h8dVU/edit?usp=sharing

Aptiv PLC Data Collection risks

  1. Introduction to Aptiv PLC and Its Role in the Automotive Technology Landscape

Aptiv PLC is a large global automotive technology supplier headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company designs, develops, and manufactures a wide range of advanced vehicle components, integrated systems, and software solutions for major automakers worldwide.

Aptiv's key product areas include advanced safety technologies, autonomous driving systems, connected services, data management platforms, and vehicle electrification solutions. The company also has a significant presence in the aerospace and defense industries through its subsidiary, Wind River Systems, which provides software and services for mission-critical intelligent systems.

Aptiv's customer base includes most of the world's leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and many others. In addition, through its Wind River subsidiary, Aptiv serves as a contractor for various government and military agencies, providing software and services for aerospace, defense, and other critical infrastructure applications.

The company has a strong global presence, with a workforce of over 200,000 employees across 120+ manufacturing facilities and 12 major technical centers in 44 countries. Notably, Aptiv operates a significant data center in China, which has raised concerns among some cybersecurity experts and policymakers about the potential for data privacy and national security risks.

In terms of market size, Aptiv is a significant player in the automotive technology industry. In 2020, the company reported net sales of $13.1 billion, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aptiv's market capitalization as of April 2023 stands at approximately $28 billion, reflecting its substantial market value and industry position. The company's Advanced Safety and User Experience segment, which includes many of the data-driven technologies discussed in this document, accounted for $4.1 billion in revenue in 2020, demonstrating the significant scale of these systems in modern vehicles.

As vehicles become increasingly connected, autonomous, and data-driven, Aptiv's role in the automotive technology landscape continues to grow. The company's vast array of sensors, software platforms, and data management systems are becoming increasingly central to the operation of modern vehicles, raising important questions about data privacy, security, and potential misuse that will be explored further in this document.

However, Aptiv's involvement in government contracting and its operation of a data center in China add additional layers of complexity and concern to these issues. The company's access to sensitive government and military data through its Wind River subsidiary, as well as the potential for data hosted in its Chinese data center to be accessed by foreign actors, raise serious questions about the company's data practices and the adequacy of its security measures.

These concerns are particularly acute given the increasing importance of connected vehicle data for national security, critical infrastructure, and personal privacy. As policymakers and regulators grapple with the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of automotive technology, it is essential that the roles and practices of key industry players like Aptiv be subject to rigorous scrutiny and oversight.

In the following sections, this document will delve into the specific risks and concerns associated with Aptiv's data collection practices, as well as the broader implications of connected vehicle technology for personal privacy, public safety, and national security. By examining these issues in depth, we hope to contribute to a more informed and robust public dialogue about the future of automotive technology and the steps needed to ensure that its benefits are realized while its risks are effectively mitigated.

  1. Sensors, Systems, and Data Collection in Aptiv-Equipped Vehicles

Modern vehicles, especially those equipped with Aptiv's advanced technologies, contain a wide array of sensors, systems, and components that collect vast amounts of data and control various vehicle functions. These components are essential for enabling features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving capabilities, connected services, and vehicle safety enhancements. However, they also raise important privacy, security, and safety concerns due to the sensitive nature of the data they collect and the control they have over the vehicle.

Some of the key sensors, systems, and data collection components found in Aptiv-equipped vehicles include:

  • GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS sensors track the precise location of the vehicle at all times, generating a detailed record of the vehicle's movements and routes.
  • Cameras: Modern vehicles often include multiple cameras, both inside and outside the cabin. These cameras can capture video and images of the vehicle's surroundings, as well as the occupants inside the vehicle.
  • Radar and Lidar: Radar and lidar sensors use radio waves and laser light, respectively, to detect objects and obstacles around the vehicle. They generate detailed 3D maps of the vehicle's environment and are critical for ADAS and autonomous driving features.
  • Accelerometers and Gyroscopes: These sensors measure the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and turning movements. They provide data on the vehicle's motion and driving dynamics.
  • Biometric Sensors: Some advanced vehicle systems include biometric sensors that can monitor the driver's attention level, eye movements, heart rate, and other physiological parameters.
  • Microphones: Many vehicles include microphones for voice commands, hands-free calling, and in-cabin noise cancellation. These microphones can potentially pick up conversations inside the vehicle.
  • Infotainment Systems / Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Modern vehicles feature sophisticated infotainment systems, also known as HMIs, which serve as the central interface for the driver and passengers to interact with the vehicle's features and functions. These systems often include touchscreens, voice controls, and connectivity features like smartphone integration. HMIs can collect and store data on user preferences, usage patterns, and even personal information synced from connected devices.
  • Speaker Systems: Vehicle speaker systems, especially those with advanced features like active noise cancellation or personalized audio zones, can include embedded microphones that monitor the acoustic environment inside the cabin. While primarily used for enhancing audio experience, these microphones could potentially be used for eavesdropping if compromised.
  • Actuators: Vehicles contain numerous actuators that control various functions such as braking, steering, throttle control, and suspension adjustments. In modern vehicles, especially those with ADAS or autonomous driving features, these actuators are often controlled by electronic control units (ECUs) that receive input from various sensors and systems. While essential for vehicle control and safety, the ability to remotely manipulate actuators through compromised ECUs or control systems could pose serious safety risks.
  • Telematics Systems: Telematics systems transmit vehicle data wirelessly to remote servers for analysis and processing. This can include diagnostic information, usage patterns, and even real-time sensor data from the systems mentioned above.

It is important to note that as a tier-one supplier deeply integrated into the vehicle's systems, Aptiv has access to the data generated by these sensors and components without the explicit knowledge or consent of the end customers (i.e., the vehicle owners or occupants). This raises significant concerns about data privacy, ownership, and control. Customers may be unaware of the extent of data being collected by their vehicles and transmitted to Aptiv, and they may have limited insight into how that data is being used or shared.

The data generated by these sensors and systems is often highly personal and sensitive in nature. Location data, biometric information, in-cabin audio and video, and personal data from HMIs all raise significant privacy concerns. The ability to control vehicle actuators and manipulate vehicle behavior through compromised systems poses severe safety and security risks.

Furthermore, the transmission and storage of this data, as well as the wireless interfaces used to communicate with vehicle systems, introduce additional vulnerabilities. Malicious actors could potentially intercept sensitive data, take control of vehicle functions, or manipulate vehicle behavior remotely.

As vehicles become increasingly connected, automated, and data-driven, it is crucial to carefully examine the types of data being collected, how it is being used, what safeguards are in place to protect privacy and security, and how vehicle control systems are protected against unauthorized access or manipulation. The lack of transparency around Aptiv's data access and use heightens these concerns and underscores the need for robust regulations, oversight, and consumer protections in the automotive technology sector.

The next section will delve into some of the specific risks and potential misuse cases associated with vehicle sensor data, control systems, and the largely opaque data practices of automotive technology suppliers like Aptiv.

  1. Risks and Potential Misuse Cases Associated with Vehicle Data, Control Systems, and Supplier Access

As vehicles become increasingly connected, automated, and data-driven, it is crucial to carefully examine the types of data being collected, how it is being used, what safeguards are in place to protect privacy and security, and how vehicle control systems are protected against unauthorized access or manipulation. The lack of transparency around Aptiv's data access and use heightens these concerns and underscores the need for robust regulations, oversight, and consumer protections in the automotive technology sector.

The risks and potential misuse cases associated with vehicle data, control systems, and supplier access can be broadly categorized into three main areas: remote viewing, remote communication, and remote sensing. Each of these areas presents unique challenges and threats to individual privacy, security, and autonomy.

  1. Remote Viewing

One of the most concerning aspects of modern vehicle technology is the ability for connected systems to enable remote viewing of a vehicle's interior and surroundings. This capability is made possible by the numerous cameras and imaging sensors embedded in today's vehicles, which can capture detailed video and images both inside and outside the cabin.

Some of the key risks and potential misuse cases associated with remote viewing include

  • Invasion of Privacy: In-cabin cameras can capture intimate details of a vehicle's occupants, including their facial expressions, behaviors, and personal belongings. If accessed by unauthorized parties, this video feed could enable severe privacy violations and potentially even be used for blackmail or extortion.
  • Stalking and Harassment: Real-time access to a vehicle's interior cameras could be exploited by stalkers, abusers, or other malicious actors to monitor and harass their targets. This is particularly concerning in cases of domestic violence or obsessive behavior, where perpetrators could use remote viewing to track and intimidate their victims.
  • Corporate Espionage: In-cabin cameras could also be misused for corporate espionage, particularly in cases where sensitive business discussions or negotiations take place inside a vehicle. Competitors could potentially gain access to confidential information by remotely monitoring a targeted vehicle's interior.
  • Voyeurism and Exploitation: The ability to remotely view a vehicle's interior could also enable disturbing cases of voyeurism and sexual exploitation. Bad actors could potentially hack into vehicle camera systems to spy on occupants in compromising situations or even record and distribute intimate footage without consent.
  • Surveillance and Monitoring: Remote viewing capabilities could be exploited by governments, law enforcement, or intelligence agencies to conduct invasive surveillance and monitoring of targeted individuals or groups. This could have chilling effects on freedom of speech, association, and political dissent.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential that automotive technology suppliers like Aptiv implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to vehicle camera systems. This should include strong encryption, secure authentication protocols, and regular security audits to identify and patch vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, there is a need for clear regulations and guidelines around the use of in-cabin cameras and remote viewing capabilities. This should include strict limits on when and how these features can be used, mandatory disclosure to vehicle occupants when they are being recorded, and robust protections against misuse by law enforcement or government agencies.

Consumers should also be empowered with meaningful control over the cameras and imaging sensors in their vehicles, including the ability to physically disable or cover these components when not in use.

Ultimately, while remote viewing capabilities may offer some benefits in terms of safety and convenience, the risks to individual privacy and security are significant. As such, the development and deployment of these technologies must be approached with the utmost caution and transparency, and with the rights and interests of consumers as the top priority.

Let me know if you would like me to elaborate further on any of these points or if you have any other suggestions for this section on remote viewing risks. I'm happy to refine the content to ensure it comprehensively addresses the key concerns.

  1. Remote Communication

Another significant risk associated with connected vehicle systems is the ability for remote communication and interaction with a vehicle's internal components and control systems. This includes the capability to update firmware, modify software settings, and even directly control physical actuators like brakes, throttle, and steering.

These remote communication channels present a wide array of potential attack vectors and misuse cases:

  • Malicious Firmware Updates: By compromising the firmware update process, a hacker could potentially install malicious code onto a vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs). This could allow them to manipulate vehicle behavior, disable safety features, or even take complete control of the vehicle remotely. Such attacks could be carried out at scale, targeting entire fleets of vehicles simultaneously.
  • Disabling Safety Systems: Hackers could exploit remote communication vulnerabilities to disable critical safety systems like airbags, anti-lock brakes, or electronic stability control. This could be done for malicious purposes, such as causing accidents or facilitating other crimes, or as part of a larger terrorist attack or act of cyberwarfare.
  • Targeted Attacks and Assassinations: The ability to remotely control a vehicle's acceleration, braking, and steering could enable terrifyingly precise targeted attacks. Hackers could potentially cause a specific vehicle to crash, allowing for nearly untraceable assassinations or "accidental" deaths.
  • Ransomware and Extortion: By gaining remote control over a vehicle's systems, hackers could effectively hold the vehicle and its occupants hostage. They could demand a ransom payment in exchange for releasing control of the vehicle, or threaten to cause an accident if their demands are not met. This could be particularly effective against fleet vehicles or those belonging to high-value targets.
  • Bot Networks and Distributed Attacks: Compromised vehicles could be used as part of a larger botnet or distributed attack network. Hackers could harness the collective computing power and connectivity of many vehicles to conduct large-scale denial-of-service attacks, mine cryptocurrencies, or spread malware to other connected systems.
  • Theft and Hijacking: Hackers could exploit remote communication channels to unlock and start vehicles remotely, enabling sophisticated theft schemes. They could also potentially hijack vehicles in motion, taking control away from the driver and rerouting the vehicle to a desired location.
  • Privacy Breaches: By accessing a vehicle's communication systems, hackers could potentially intercept sensitive data transmissions, including personal information, location data, and even audio from in-cabin microphones. This could enable identity theft, stalking, or other privacy breaches.

It is important to note that the risks associated with remote communication are not just theoretical. In a deeply concerning incident, it was revealed that private keys used to secure vehicle communication systems were leaked online. These keys, if obtained by malicious actors, could potentially grant unauthorized access to thousands of vehicles, enabling the kinds of attacks and misuse cases described above.

The leak of these private keys underscores the urgent need for more robust cybersecurity measures and more transparent disclosure of potential vulnerabilities by automotive technology suppliers. It also raises serious questions about the industry's ability to safeguard the integrity of vehicle systems and protect consumers from cyber threats.

The risks posed by remote communication vulnerabilities, combined with the demonstrated reality of critical security failures like the leaked private keys, present a grave threat to public safety and national security. As vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous, the potential impact of these attacks will only continue to grow.

Regulators, industry stakeholders, and the cybersecurity community must come together to address these risks head-on, through a combination of stronger regulations, more robust technical safeguards, and greater transparency and accountability from automotive technology suppliers.

The leaked private keys incident should serve as a wake-up call for the entire automotive industry, and a catalyst for more aggressive action to secure vehicle systems against cyber threats. This should include a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the leak, as well as a comprehensive review of cybersecurity practices across the industry.

Ultimately, the risks associated with remote communication in connected vehicles are complex, multifaceted, and rapidly evolving. Addressing these risks will require sustained collaboration, innovation, and vigilance from all stakeholders. The stakes could not be higher, and the time for action is now.

  1. Remote Sensing

In addition to the risks associated with remote viewing and communication, connected vehicles also present significant concerns related to remote sensing capabilities. Modern vehicles are equipped with a wide array of sensors, including cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors, which can gather detailed information about the vehicle's surroundings and occupants.

From a malicious actor's perspective, these remote sensing capabilities could be exploited for a variety of nefarious purposes, posing serious threats to personal privacy, public safety, and even national security:

  • Surveillance and Tracking: By accessing a vehicle's external sensors, malicious actors could potentially track the movements of targeted individuals or groups with unprecedented precision. This could enable intrusive surveillance by governments, law enforcement, or private entities, undermining personal privacy and civil liberties.
  • Psychological Operations (PSYOPs): The data gathered by a vehicle's sensors could be used to build detailed psychological profiles of individuals based on their driving habits, frequented locations, and social interactions. This information could be exploited for targeted propaganda, manipulation, or blackmail, enabling sophisticated psychological operations at scale. Moreover, in a disturbing scenario, a malicious actor could potentially use a vehicle's sensors and control systems to actively manipulate the driving experience, causing intentional distress or even fear in targeted individuals. For example, by subtly altering the vehicle's handling, braking, or acceleration, an attacker could create a sense of unease or anxiety in the driver, making them more susceptible to manipulation or coercion. In more extreme cases, an attacker could potentially use a vehicle's systems to create overtly frightening or dangerous situations, such as causing sudden, unexpected braking or swerving, or even staging apparent near-misses or collisions. By inducing a state of heightened stress and fear, an attacker could potentially influence a targeted individual's behavior, decision-making, or even mental health over time. The use of connected vehicles as a tool for psychological manipulation represents a chilling evolution of traditional PSYOPs tactics, enabling a level of targeted, personalized, and persistent influence that has never before been possible. The implications of this for personal autonomy, mental well-being, and even political stability are deeply concerning.
  • Fingerprinting Nearby Devices: A vehicle's wireless communication systems, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, could be used to scan for and fingerprint nearby electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices. This could allow for the tracking and identification of individuals based on their digital footprint, even if they are not directly connected to the vehicle.
  • Health Data Exploitation: Some vehicles are equipped with biometric sensors that can monitor a driver's heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological parameters. If accessed by unauthorized parties, this data could be used to infer sensitive health information about individuals, enabling targeted advertising, insurance discrimination, or even blackmail.
  • IoT Device Hacking: A vehicle's sensors could potentially be used to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in nearby IoT devices, such as smart home appliances, wearables, or industrial control systems. This could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to these devices, steal sensitive data, or even cause physical harm.
  • Situational Awareness and Control: By aggregating data from multiple vehicles' sensors, malicious actors could gain a highly detailed and real-time understanding of traffic patterns, crowd movements, and other environmental factors. This situational awareness could be used to coordinate terrorist attacks, disrupt emergency response efforts, or even control the flow of people and goods in a given area.

The risks associated with remote sensing are particularly concerning given the increasing sophistication and range of sensors being integrated into modern vehicles. As autonomous driving technologies continue to advance, the amount and granularity of data collected by these sensors will only continue to grow, amplifying the potential for misuse and abuse.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential that automotive technology suppliers and manufacturers implement robust data security and privacy safeguards. This should include strict access controls, encryption of sensor data both at rest and in transit, and secure over-the-air update mechanisms to prevent unauthorized modifications to sensor firmware.

There is also a need for clear regulatory guidelines and oversight regarding the collection, use, and sharing of vehicle sensor data. Consumers should be given transparent notice of what data is being collected by their vehicles, and have the ability to opt-out of data collection for non-essential functions.

From a national security perspective, the risks posed by remote sensing underscore the need for proactive engagement and collaboration between the automotive industry, cybersecurity researchers, and government agencies. This should include the development of robust threat intelligence sharing mechanisms, as well as joint efforts to identify and address emerging vulnerabilities in vehicle sensor systems.

Ultimately, the remote sensing capabilities of connected vehicles present both immense opportunities and significant risks. Realizing the benefits of these technologies while mitigating their potential for harm will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, guided by a shared commitment to security, privacy, and the public good.

As we continue to navigate this complex and rapidly evolving landscape, it is crucial that we remain vigilant to the risks posed by remote sensing and other emerging automotive technologies. By working together to address these challenges head-on, we can build a future in which the transformative potential of connected and autonomous vehicles is realized, without compromising the safety, security, and privacy of individuals and society as a whole.

Executive Summary

The rapid evolution of automotive technology, driven by advances in connectivity, automation, and data analytics, is transforming the transportation landscape and creating new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and safety. However, this transformation also poses significant risks and challenges, particularly with respect to data privacy, cybersecurity, and national security.

This document focuses on the role of Aptiv PLC, a major global automotive technology supplier, in the development and deployment of connected vehicle technologies. With a wide range of products and services, including advanced safety systems, autonomous driving solutions, and data management platforms, Aptiv is at the forefront of the automotive technology revolution.

However, Aptiv's extensive data collection practices, enabled by the sensors and systems it supplies to major automakers worldwide, raise serious concerns about privacy, security, and potential misuse. The company's access to sensitive vehicle data, including location information, biometric data, and in-cabin audio and video, could enable invasive surveillance, targeted attacks, and psychological manipulation if not properly safeguarded.

Moreover, Aptiv's role as a government contractor through its Wind River subsidiary, as well as its operation of a data center in China, add additional layers of risk and complexity. The potential for sensitive government and military data to be compromised, or for vehicle data to be accessed by foreign actors, underscores the urgent need for robust oversight and regulation of the automotive technology industry.

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2024/04/20
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