The integration of modern IT technologies into vehicles brings up several new challenges in automotive systems engineering. While current technology aspires an exclusive use of electrical and electronic control systems for relevant functions, such as engine control or X-by-wire systems, growing dependency on electronic systems increases the vulnerability of modern cars to both accidental and intentionally forged IT incidents. Especially the constantly increasing complexity of and interdependencies between different automotive IT systems makes it difficult for the developers to foresee all potential fault conditions or to prevent unauthorized actions from taking effect. As if these problems were not enough of a challenge, especially in automotive IT environments IT- incidents can possibly also affect the safety of the car, its passengers and other road users.

Building on a study on IT security warnings [1] and comparing with corresponding ASIL levels, we carried out a driving simulator study to evaluate driver reactions to various error and security relevant scenarios.