Abstract
The digital transformation of Automated Vehicles (AVs) has raised concerns in the cyber realm among prospective AV consumers. However, there is a dearth of empirical research on how cyber obstacles may impact the operation of AVs. To address this knowledge gap, this study examines the six critical cyber impediments (data privacy, AV connectivity, ITS infrastructure, lack of cybersecurity regulations, AV cybersecurity understanding, and AV cyber-insurance) that influence the deployment of AVs. The impact of gender, age, income level, and individual AV and cybersecurity knowledge on these obstacles are statistically assessed using a sample of 2061 adults from the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. The research revealed intriguing empirical findings on all cyber barriers in the form of a trichotomy: participants' education level, understanding of AVs, and cybersecurity knowledge. As education levels increase, the significance of a cyber barrier to AV deployment decreases; however, as AV comprehension and cybersecurity knowledge increase, the perception of a cyber barrier becomes significantly more important. In addition, the study demonstrates differences in perceptions of cyber barriers and AV deployments based on gender, age, income, and geographic location. This study's findings on cyber barriers and AV deployment have implications for academia and industry.