Can Hackers Really Take Over Your Car?

In the age of digital technology the majority of our lives has been connected with the web. From home and mobile devices, to even the vehicles that we are driving, the world is becoming more sophisticated. While this is a boon for the convenience of a more efficient and user-friendly interface however, it also opens the way to new threats. One of the most threatening questions that have surfaced in recent times is whether hackers are able to get control of your vehicle. With modern technology powering our vehicles, the threat of remote hacking isn’t an abstract threat but real. How do you need to be worried?

How Connected Cars Have Changed the Landscape

Modern vehicles aren’t simply mechanical machines that have the engine, tires and a basic electronic. The advent of connected vehicles has led to a wide range of functions that depend on connectivity to the internet as well as wireless communications and software systems. They comprise GPS navigator, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry as well as adaptive cruise control. warnings about lane departure, automatic emergency braking, as well as autonomous driving functions.

The transition towards this “connected” method means that your car’s computers are more complex and interconnected than they have ever been. While these improvements bring more comfort however, they also make automobiles susceptible to cyberattacks.

The Possibility of Remote Car Hacking

Car hacking is the unauthorised or controlled access of vehicles’ electronic systems, whether physically or remotely. Since the majority of modern vehicles rely heavily on networks to control and communicate various functions, hackers could attack the systems with vulnerabilities.

Key Vulnerabilities That Hackers Can Exploit:

1. WiFi and Bluetooth Connections Cars with features such as Bluetooth hands-free calling and Wi-Fi connectivity are vulnerable to hacking if these networks aren’t secured properly. If hackers intercept communications with the car or a linked device, they could have access to crucial systems.

2. Keyless Entry Systems Most new cars have keyless entry systems based in radio frequency (RF) signals. Hackers are able to exploit vulnerabilities of the radio frequency system and unlock the car without requiring keys. In some instances hackers have been able increase the signal strength of the key fob in order for unlocking the car at some distance.

3. Informationtainment System Car infotainment and connectivity systems can provide many features, ranging from control of media to navigation. If these systems aren’t secure, they may become a point of entry for hackers. Once inside, hackers could be able to access other internal systems, such as steering, braking or the engine.

4. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication: Some vehicles communicate with each other and the surrounding infrastructure for safety and traffic management purposes. If the communication systems aren’t authenticated or encrypted hackers may disrupt traffic signals and cause accidents or cause confusion to automated systems.

Real-World Examples of Car Hacking

In 2015 two security experts, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek showed the possibility of hacking into cars. They remotely controlled an Jeep Cherokee while it was moving at a speed of 70 miles an hour on the highway. They were in a position to control the vehicle’s steering, braking and acceleration by using the laptop and cellular network. The high-profile demonstration attracted the interest of car makers and the cybersecurity industry.

While this incident was a proof of concept, it also highlighted the serious dangers that connected cars pose. In this instance, Jeep’s Uconnect system, which provided an access via remote to vehicle’s infotainment system, was susceptible to attack.

How Hackers Can Control Your Car

If a hacker gains access to your vehicle’s computer the hacker could be in control of a number of crucial functions:

1. Accelerators and Brakes by gaining access to the car’s brake as well as acceleration system, hackers could potentially cause the vehicle to accelerate in a way that is uncontrolled or stop the brakes. Although most cars come with manual fail-safes that prevent this from happening, the danger exists in certain instances.

2. Steering Hackers may gain control over the steering system to steer the vehicle to a different lane or away from the road. However, the complexity of remote control means that this is a far more complex approach to carry out.

3. GPS Navigation System Hackers can modify a vehicle’s GPS system, causing it to mislead a driver into taking the wrong route which could put them in dangerous situations.

4. surveillance and monitoring Connected vehicles could also collect information on the habits of your driver, whereabouts as well as personal data stored in the infotainment system. Hackers could be able to access this data and utilize it to carry out malicious activities for example, identity theft.

5. Disabling the car Hackers can lock the doors to the car, disable motors, or totally stop the vehicle’s electronic systems, making the vehicle immobile.

How Car Manufacturers Are Addressing the Threat

In light of the growing concerns about security in vehicles, automobile manufacturers and regulatory agencies are working tirelessly to enhance security of vehicles. The initiatives include:

1. software updates and patches Automobile manufacturers regularly release software updates to fix vulnerabilities in their systems for vehicles. Similar to computers and smartphones they are also essential to patch security holes.

2. enhanced encryption and authentication Numerous automobile manufacturers are incorporating more secure encryption methods to safeguard communications between the vehicle and other devices. Furthermore security-conscious authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication are being incorporated in keyless entry systems as well as infotainment systems.

3. Testing for Security Manufacturers are conducting more rigorous tests of their automobiles security. Certain automakers are working with independent security companies to conduct penetration tests and assessments of vulnerability to ensure that their vehicles are safe.

4. Partnership in conjunction with Cybersecurity Experts Numerous car manufacturers are collaborating with cybersecurity companies to create better security measures for connected vehicles. For instance, Tesla has a “bug bounty” program in which ethical hackers earn rewards for identifying vulnerabilities in the car company’s.

5. Automated Emergency Systems Certain companies have developed safety systems that take over vehicles in the event of an emergency situation, for example, automated emergency braking or lane-keeping aid, to stop collisions caused by intentional interference.

How You Can Protect Yourself

As car makers work on enhancing security There are steps car owners can adopt to lower the chance of hacking:

1. regular software updates Maintain your vehicle’s software current and up to current by installing any updates. Similar to your laptop or smartphone regularly updated software helps protect against the latest threats.

2. Remove Features that aren’t needed If you don’t require WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity in your vehicle, think about deactivating these features to limit the chance that remote access could be a problem.

3. Utilize Strong Security Settings when using keyless entry, make sure that your fob’s signals are secured, and think about the use of a steering wheel lock to add another level of protection.

4. Be aware of third-party applications Be aware when connecting your smartphone and other gadgets to the car’s infotainment system. Be aware of the apps you are using and be aware of any permissions for data which could permit unneeded access to your car.

5. Install the Tracking System in the event of theft, think about the installation of a GPS tracker to assist authorities locate the vehicle and avoid any further destruction.

Conclusion

Although the thought that hackers could take control of your car might seem like something straight from an action movie but it’s an issue that is becoming more and more serious. As vehicles become more connected and automated, dangers that cyberattacks pose are rising. But, automakers, security experts, as well as consumers are cooperating to make sure the risks are reduced.

If you are aware of the risks and taking proactive measures to safeguard your vehicle and your family, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to hacking. In the end, it’s important to realize that, as any other device connected to the internet the car needs attention and protection to ensure it is safe and protected when you’re on the road.