Volkswagen ID.3: Cyber security

Cyber security describes measures that reduce the risk of illegal access to vehicle functions, data and control modules caused by malware or an Internet attack. Of all the components in the vehicle, connectivity components are most at risk of unauthorized access or cyber attacks.

Connectivity components comprise control modules for data transmission, interfaces, media and diagnostic connections through which information and data can be exchanged between the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle and mobile devices or the Internet.

Connectivity components are equipped with security mechanisms to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to vehicle systems.

Connectivity components include in particular:

• Diagnostic connection port

• Control module with installed eSIM card.

• Phone interface

• App-Connect.

• Wi-Fi hotspot.

• NFC radio technology.

• AUX -IN jack.

• Bluetooth interface.

• CD/DVD drive.

• USB port.

• SD card slot.

• SIM card slot.

The type and number of connectivity components present in your vehicle depends on the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle equipment and the country.

• Software and security mechanisms
• How can you tell that an Over-the-Air Update is pending?

Software and security mechanisms

Software and security mechanisms available in the vehicle undergo continuous development. Similar to computers or operating systems on cell phones, software and security mechanisms in the vehicle may also be updated at various times.

System updates improve the security, stability and operating speed of vehicle systems. The system update is a preventative measure, for example, to protect from malware and to optimize functionality.

A system update is used to update the software of control modules in the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle.

Depending on the vehicle and country, there are two ways to update your vehicle:

• System update by a suitably qualified authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

  Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

• System update via an Over-the-Air Update.

WARNING

In spite of the integrated security mechanisms and regular system updates or Over-the-Air Updates, malware can cause malfunctions in control modules and the vehicle. In the same way, connecting computers, data carriers or cell phones that are infected with viruses can result in malfunctions in control modules and the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle. Malfunctions may cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• If the vehicle works or reacts differently to normal, reduce your speed in a controlled manner.

• Contact qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Malware can access data and information stored in the control modules, in the Infotainment system, on connected data carriers and in paired cell phones. This may result in a complete loss of data or damage control modules, the Infotainment system, computers, data carriers or cell phones.

• Carry out all pending Over-the-Air Updates as quickly as possible once they are made available, or allow system updates to take place. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

• Protect computers, data carriers and cell phones with a suitable antivirus program and by taking generally recognized precautions. Regularly update the antivirus program using the supplied system updates or upgrades provided by the vendor.

Minimizing risks

You can actively help to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle systems and functions by following these guidelines:

• Only use data carriers, Bluetooth devices and cell phones in the vehicle that do not contain any manipulated data or malware.

• Ensure that system updates provided by Volkswagen are carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible once they are made available. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If the option to perform an Over-the-Air Update is available, depending on the vehicle and country, carry out all Over-the-Air Updates provided by Volkswagen immediately. If the Over-the-Air Update is ignored multiple times by the driver, an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility must be contacted for assistance.

  Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

• Only have the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle repaired and serviced by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Introduction

Over-the-Air Updates enable us to ensure that your vehicle is always kept up to date, e.g. to protect against malware and optimize functionality.

How can you tell that an Over-the-Air Update is pending?

A pending Over-the-Air Update is displayed in the Infotainment system.

If multiple Over-the-Air Updates are available for the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle at the same time, one Over-the-Air Update must be completed successfully before the next Over-the-Air Update can be carried out.

It is in your best interests to perform Over-the-Air Updates as promptly as possible. If the Over-the-Air Update is ignored multiple times by the driver, an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility must be contacted for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

In very rare circumstances, it is possible that a control module may no longer work properly after an Over-the-Air Update. Malfunctions in a control module and the vehicle can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• If the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle works or reacts differently to normal while driving, reduce your speed in a controlled manner.

• Contact qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

If the digital instrument cluster malfunctions after an Over-the-Air Update, it will not be possible to display instruments, warning lights, symbols or messages. Driving with a malfunctioning instrument cluster can lead to serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• Do not use the vehicle. Contact Volkswagen Customer Care.

NOTICE

If special modifications are made to Volkswagen ID.3 vehicles outside of the responsibility of Volkswagen AG, such as for service vehicles or taxis, there is a risk that these special functions, e.g. taximeter, will no longer work properly after an Over-the-Air Update.

• Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before performing an Overthe- Air Update.

Measures to increase performance or efficiency (e.g. engine tuning) that are not performed by Volkswagen may be reverted by an Over-the-Air Update.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, "release notes" that describe the changes to the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle status may be displayed once before or after an Over-the-Air Update. The release notes cannot be viewed again after this.

An Over-the-Air Update does not update In-Car Apps.

Requirements for an Over-the-Air Update

The following requirements must be met for an Over-the-Air Update to be downloaded and the software installation for an Over-the-Air Update to be carried out.

• The "Over-the-Air Update" function is available in your country.

•  You have concluded an active We Connect contract.

•  You have assigned the vehicle to your active Volkswagen user account.

•  There is a primary user; it may be necessary for you to log in as the primary user.

•  The Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle is in an area with enough mobile reception.

•  Your current privacy settings allow sending and receiving of data and information .

• The 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficiently charged.