Is your EV a target for hackers?
Car theft looks a lot different in today’s tech-powered world. Instead of bashing your window in old-school style, modern hackers have found a much sneakier way to access your car. If you have an electric vehicle (EV), you’re the most at risk.
If your ride has a computer chip and remote connectivity, it’s vulnerable to thieves. Read on to find out what the hackers are up to and how to protect your vehicle.
It’s getting vulnerable in here
The number one way hackers get into cars is through connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular networks. Even remote starters rely on a wireless connection, regardless of whether or not an actual smartphone is connected.
Another way hackers gain access is through software vulnerabilities. EVs use highly complex software systems to control essential functions like steering, braking and acceleration. Any security flaws in these areas could allow crooks to take control of your car in the blink of an eye.
Who’s in charge?
Perhaps the biggest issue on the EV security radar is the use of public charging stations. Today, the U.S. has nearly 60,000 public charging stations, most of which are Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices. These devices are already getting hacked left and right, making EV chargers just another one on the list.
To use a public charger, you must use an app or a radio frequency ID card that stores location data, IP addresses and other network information. If a hacker breaks into this data, they can use it to steal your personal information.
Home EV chargers aren’t immune to hackers, either. If your home charger lets you monitor your vehicle from an app, so can a hacker. They could also access your home internet and anything you’re connected to.
Hackers’ most wanted
Last year, researchers tested several vehicle brands to see how vulnerable they were to hacks. The bad news? Vulnerabilities were found with the following 16 top manufacturers:
- Acura
- BMW
- Ferrari
- Ford
- Genesis
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Porsche
- Rolls Royce
- Toyota
Car thefts are up and these are the models stolen most often
Between 2021 and 2022, car thefts skyrocketed. Some Hyundai and Kia models have a manufacturing flaw that makes them more vulnerable to theft. Tap or click here to learn how to get the fix.
But other models are even bigger targets for car thieves. Read on for a list of the 10 most likely vehicles to be stolen.
This woman's home was stolen right from under her - Don't let it happen to you
Your home is likely the largest purchase you’ll ever make. Homeownership is a lifelong commitment between mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, renovations, repair, and decorating.
Think about how much email correspondence you get just for your home. Bills and other important documents can get lost in the clutter of your inbox. You can prevent this by creating an email address just for your home. Tap or click here to learn more.
Easy-to-hack keyless cars are driving up thefts
Whether it’s keyless entry or keyless starting, the wave of the future is keyless automobiles. With those futuristic cars comes the ability to hack and steal using technology. Hacks using smartphone apps, Wi-Fi hotspots, and key-fob relay attacks also continue to grow. How can you stay informed about the latest easy-to-hack keyless cars? The answer may lie with a new consumer security rating system.
7 clever ways hackers are stealing keyless cars
Wirelessly unlocking your car is convenient, but it comes at a price. The increasing number of keyless cars on the road has led to a new kind of crime — key fob hacks! With the aid of new cheap electronic accessories and techniques, a key fob’s signal is now relatively easy for criminals to intercept or block. Imagine a thief opening your car and driving away with it without setting off any alarms!