Car "Hacking" Growing in Popularity: How to Know if Your Car Can Be Hacked

 Automotive  

Read about the growing concerns for on-board computer systems, and what drivers can do to prevent against malicious car hacking.

In our day and age, we are highly aware of the danger of having our computers and mobile devices hacked, but what about our cars? “Car hacking” is a growing possibility for new cars with on-board computer systems. As new vehicles move into the digital age, more and more problems are presented when it comes to hacking these systems and putting the driver's personal information at risk. Not only do we have to worry about our information being vulnerable, but the actual safety of the car is at a higher risk as well. Read on to learn about the growing concerns for on-board computer systems, and what drivers can do to prevent against malicious car hacking.

Hacking a Vehicle

Hackers have a number of options available to them when it comes to hacking a vehicle, and this is just one of the reasons that the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is now studying this breakthrough in potential cyber crimes. Currently, there is around $2.5 billion in revenue for on-board Wi-Fi and computer systems including Ford's SYNC, Toyota's Safety Connect, and General Motors' OnStar. While most initial testing for hacking these systems has been carried out through ports in the vehicle itself, the gates have been opened for those looking to exploit these systems remotely.

Related articles Boston Dynamics Cuts the Cord on Wildcat  Rinspeed Budii Gives a Taste of How Future EVs Might Look Like A Look at the Latest Advancements for In-Car WiFi Features

Signs a Vehicle Has Been Hacked

In 2014, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers met together to discuss the safety and security for on-board computer systems. While there are currently no reported cases of cars being maliciously hacked, there are some safety concerns for those with newer vehicles. Primarily, anyone that has had their vehicle broken into should have a specialist ensure that no one has physically connected with the on-board system. Currently, the easiest way to hack these systems is breaking into a car and then connecting to USB ports in the guidance system or the engine diagnostic system.

Tips to Secure Your Vehicle

The best way to ensure that your vehicle is not hacked is to prevent anyone from entering into the cabin of the vehicle. Only trusted auto dealers and mechanics should ever have access to the diagnostic ports or the ports used to connect to the guidance system. If the computer system offers either Bluetooth access or wireless access, these should be protected with a secure password or a pin and remain locked at all times. As mentioned, if you fear that your system has been maliciously hacked, take the car to a specialist immediately to ensure that no one has gained access to your on-board system.

The Future of On-Board Computer Systems

As more digital systems are installed in vehicles, the risk of cyber-crimes continues to rise. For those with current models, the threats are relatively low unless a criminal has access to the interior ports or the control screen. Vehicle owners should ensure that all of the systems within their vehicle are kept up-to-date and all security suggestions are followed including password-protecting Bluetooth and wireless syncs and installing security software for any smartphones connecting to the system.

Organizations ranging from the FTC to the FBI are beginning to realize just how big of a threat that this new style of cyber-crimes may be. According to professionals at Ladahlaw.com who specialize in personal injury claims, at its most extreme, car hacking could allow criminals to control the actual functions of a car—putting drivers at a serious risk for crashing and severe injury. As these systems become more integrated into vehicles, owners should ensure that they stick to all security suggestions offered by the manufacturers, as well as refrain from keeping any sensitive data in these systems or on their connected smartphones. Luckily, as hackers grow smarter and more creative, engineers and manufacturers will work harder to keep these systems secure and protect the driver at all costs.

By Dixie Somers

Embed