Car Hacking and Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Smart Car from Digital Threats

Understanding Car Hacking Risks

Keyless Entry and Relay Attacks

Although designed for car owners’ convenience, hackers can exploit the keyless entry functionality by using relay devices. Hackers use these devices to capture signals from car owner’s key fob. They then amplify the signal to unlock parked vehicles. You can prevent it by placing your key fob in signal-blocking pouches or disabling passive entry features when not needed.

Infotainment System Vulnerabilities

Modern infotainment systems can easily connect to smartphones and the internet. While these systems can make all your rides enjoyable, connecting them to unsecured apps or compromised software can open doors to car data security breaches. Hence, avoid connecting your car to any unverified apps and keep updating the car’s software timely.

Remote Access via Mobile Apps and Cloud Services

Many carmakers now provide dedicated mobile apps that enable vehicle owners to control features such as locking the car, adjusting climate settings, and locating the vehicle. Hackers can break into any smart cars if these apps or cloud services are breached.
 

Common Entry Points for Hackers

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB Ports

If you use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features for hands-free calling or media streaming while driving, then you should be cautious. Never use unsecured connections to access these features because they can enable hackers to gain control of your car’s internal systems.

USB ports can also become an entry point for hackers if any corrupt files are introduced. However, you can protect connected car by disabling unused connections and only pairing your car’s systems with trusted devices.  

Telematics and GPS Systems

Telematics units and GPS services track vehicle location and monitor car performance. They also facilitate emergency assistance to support drivers. While there are numerous advantages of these systems, they’re common entry points for hackers.

Once they gain unauthorised access through any of these systems, they can manipulate your car’s tracking data and even control particular remote functions. It creates both privacy and safety risks, so ensure you take preventive measures to protect connected car. We’ve shared smart car cybersecurity measures in the next section, so read along.
 

Essential Cybersecurity Measures for Car Owners

Regular Software and Firmware Updates

One of the easiest ways to protect your car against rising vehicle cyber threats is to update the car’s software timely. Car makers regularly provide software upgrades to remedy security holes - these updates ensure it isn’t easy for hackers to get into cars. So, keep an eye on your car's systems for new update notifications and install the most recent ones.

Multifactor Authentication

It is a good idea to use multifactor authentication for automobile apps or connected services to make your car even safer. It will ensure that even if hackers steal your login details, they won’t be able to easily access the car’s systems.

Disabling Unused Connectivity Features

Turning off connectivity features that are not in usage is an excellent preventive measure to protect your vehicle from car hacking instances. Simply disabling unused connectivity features will reduce the number of open channels that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorised access to your car.   
 

Best Practices for Safe Connectivity

Avoiding Public Wi-Fi Networks

Car owners should avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those available at cafes, railway stations, or any other public place. Hackers typically target these locations and may interrupt your car data or install harmful codes through these open networks in an attempt to hack your vehicle.

Using Secure Mobile Hotspots

If internet access is necessary, use a mobile hotspot secured with a strong password instead of relying on open connections. Since personal hotspots are harder to intercept, you can preserve your car data security.

Monitoring Data Usage and Unusual Behaviour

Regularly check your car’s data usage logs and monitor system performance to stay aware of any abnormal activities. If you notice any abnormal activity, consult a cybersecurity professional through your car dealership for an instant solution.
 

Role of Automakers and Regulations

Built-in Intrusion Detection Systems

Automakers have already started embedding intrusion detection systems to identify abnormal signals in the vehicle network and isolate compromised components. Some advanced systems may also trigger alerts or safe modes to limit damage during car hacking attacks.

Secure Software Development and Encryption Protocols

Car manufacturers are focusing on designing software using secure coding practices and implementing strong encryption to protect data exchange between vehicle components, apps, and cloud services. It can significantly limit the possibility of vehicle cyber threats.

Government and Industry Standards for Vehicle Cybersecurity

Governments around the world already have strict regulations around car manufacturing to ensure every vehicle meets the relevant cybersecurity benchmarks.
 

Conclusion

Smart cars are much more technologically advanced than traditional ones, but they’re also more prone to vehicle cyber threats. Hackers are continually refining their hacking attempts, so car owners cannot take their car’s security lightly. You can follow all the safety measures discussed in this blog to lower the chances of your car getting hacked.

To add an extra security layer, ensure your car is protected under a comprehensive car insurance policy. You can choose the comprehensive car insurance policy provided by Shriram General Insurance, as our policies provide enhanced coverage at budget-friendly premiums.
 

FAQs

How can hackers access a smart car?

They can exploit vulnerabilities in keyless entry systems, infotainment software, connected devices or networks to gain access to a smart car.
 

What is a relay attack, and how can I prevent it?

A relay attack is a hacking technique in which cybercriminals attempt to obtain signals from your key fob and use them to unlock your car or even drive it away without your knowledge. You can prevent it by using signal-blocking pouches for your key fob and disabling passive entry features.
 

Are OTA updates safe for my vehicle?

Yes, these updates are safe because they come directly from the automakers.
 

Can someone control my car remotely?

While rare, there is a possibility that hackers may remotely control some features of your car after exploiting severe vulnerabilities in mobile apps or telematics.
 

What are the signs of a hacked car?

The biggest signs are abnormal or unexplained activities. Sudden data spikes, unusual infotainment behaviour, and sudden car locking and unlocking events are common signs of a hacked car.
 

How do I secure my car’s infotainment system?

You should always update your car’s software in a timely manner and avoid using any unverified apps or public Wi-Fi to protect your car’s infotainment system.