A group made up of well-known hackers and security experts has reached out to the automotive industry in the hope of improving security in the new generation of connected cars.

The non-profit group I Am The Cavalry asked attendees at the DefCon hacking conference in Las Vegas to sign an open letter to Automotive CEOs, asking them to implement basic guidelines aimed at defending cars from cyber attacks.

“The once distinct worlds of automobiles and cyber security have collided,” reads the letter. “Now is the time for the automotive industry and the security community to connect and collaborate.”

More and more cars now connect to smartphones for added functionality and personalisation, and many new vehicles use computers to monitor and manage everything from engines and navigation to air conditioning and windscreen wipers. Security experts warn that it is only a matter of time before malicious hackers exploit glitches in software and other vulnerabilities to steal data or harm drivers.

One company that has responded to the threat is Elon Musks Tesla Motors, which was present at the conference. The company was reportedly seeking hackers to act as security consultants to help find holes in the software that controls its cars, which can connect to the internet.

In addition, the company is offering hackers who report bugs in the software the chance to tour the Tesla factory. Teslas website already lists 20 security researchers who have reported vulnerabilities in its website or software in a Hall of Fame. Thanks to the cars wi-fi connectivity, Tesla is able to provide security updates without recalling cars, and has already fixed at least one security flaw in its vehicles.