Tackling the challenge of keeping police vehicles safe from cyber criminals
Tim Moorey, Cyber Policy and Standards Manager for the Police Digital Service (PDS) explores how it is supporting policing to ensure the cyber security of vehicles on the road, widening to encompass computer aided and remote vehicles.
Modern vehicles are no longer just machines. Increasingly, they are sophisticated digital platforms that rely on software, connectivity and data to operate safely and effectively. From safety features like helping the driver stay in lanes, to automatic braking systems, and of course satellite navigation.
For policing, that creates both opportunity and risk.
Policing needs to adopt Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) which introduce many new technology features. Advanced driver assistance systems, remote diagnostics, over-the-air software updates and enhanced safety features have the potential to improve efficiency and support frontline operations. As forces continue to modernise their fleets and increase the use of electric and connected vehicles, these capabilities will become increasingly important.
However, greater connectivity also creates new cyber security challenges.
A vehicle that relies on software, sensors and network connectivity can potentially be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, if security is not considered throughout its lifecycle. From procurement and deployment to maintenance, software updates and disposal, cyber security must be treated as a core requirement rather than an afterthought.
Policing has long recognised the importance of securing traditional IT systems, such as laptops, mobile devices and business applications. The same mindset now needs to be applied to connected vehicles. As these technologies become more common across public and private sector fleets, ensuring their resilience against cyber threats will be critical.
That is why the Police Digital Service (PDS), working alongside forces, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), government partners and industry, is helping to develop national standards, guidance and blueprints for the secure adoption of CAVs.
This work has already led to the development of the first national cyber guidance for connected and autonomous vehicles, providing forces with a framework to assess and manage cyber risks. The programme also supports wider work across procurement, fleet management, vehicle servicing, software updates and operational deployment.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that cyber security keeps pace with innovation. Vehicle technology is evolving rapidly, and policing must be able to embrace the benefits while maintaining public trust and operational resilience.
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to discuss these issues with fleet and technology professionals across policing, including at the National Association of Police Fleet Managers Conference. While awareness is growing, there remains an opportunity for forces to make greater use of the expertise, standards and guidance already being developed nationally.
The message is simple: cyber security is no longer just an IT issue. As vehicles become increasingly connected, it is also a fleet issue, an operational issue and ultimately a public safety issue.
We’re also actively encouraging forces to start making use of these resources to support local initiatives with fleet. As new products are created, these are being made available through PDS’s Standards libraries. Here forces have access to a wealth of materials, with over 200 products. Notably, more than 50 of these are particularly relevant to cyber security. All for use across policing and partner agencies.
By sharing knowledge, adopting common standards and working together across policing, we can ensure that innovation strengthens policing while helping us “defend as one” against emerging cyber threats.
NPCC Innovation & Digital Summit 2026
The countdown is on for the NPCC Innovation & Digital Summit 2026, taking place from 20-22 October at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. As the UK’s leading policing event focused on digital, data and technology, the Summit will bring together senior leaders, practitioners, government partners, academics and industry experts to explore how innovation can help keep communities safe and strengthen public trust.
Across three days, delegates will hear from influential speakers, take part in thought-provoking discussions and discover the latest advancements in areas including artificial intelligence, digital forensics, data-driven policing and frontline technology. The event will also feature an expanded exhibition, hands-on demonstrations and valuable networking opportunities with colleagues from across the policing and public sector landscape.
Whether you’re shaping strategy, delivering operational change or driving digital transformation, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to share learning, build partnerships and help shape the future of policing.
Go to the Police Digital Service events pages to see the agenda and registration information.
