Your car is a target — don’t get hacked or duped

Your Car is a Target – Don’t Get Hacked or Duped

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity threats are no longer limited to our computers and smartphones. Our cars have now become vulnerable to hacking, thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities that many modern vehicles come equipped with. This means that hackers can potentially gain access to your car’s systems and steal your personal data from the comfort of their own garage.

How is this possible?

Cars with built-in Wi-Fi hotspots are designed to provide internet connectivity for passengers while on the go. However, this convenience comes at a cost – the connection to the internet also makes the car’s systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the car’s software or use social engineering tactics to gain access to the car’s systems, allowing them to steal personal data such as navigation history, phone contacts, and even financial information.

But that’s not all – hackers can also potentially gain control of your car’s engine, brakes, and other critical systems, putting you and your passengers at risk. Imagine being on the highway when suddenly, your car’s accelerator pedal becomes stuck, causing you to speed out of control. Or worse, imagine losing control of your car’s brakes, leaving you unable to stop at a red light or avoid a collision.

The Risks are Real

In 2015, a group of hackers demonstrated the potential risks associated with connected cars by remotely taking control of a Jeep Cherokee’s engine and transmission while it was on the highway. The hackers were able to compromise the car’s computer system through its Wi-Fi hotspot, giving them access to critical systems. This incident served as a wake-up call for the automotive industry, highlighting the need for stronger cybersecurity measures in connected cars.

But despite these warnings, many car manufacturers continue to prioritize convenience over security. In fact, a recent study by the University of California, San Diego found that many popular car brands’ vehicles were vulnerable to hacking due to poor cybersecurity practices. The study discovered that some cars had outdated software, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and even default passwords that could be easily guessed by hackers.

Protect Yourself

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your car from these threats? Here are a few tips:

Keep your car’s software up to date – Regularly updating your car’s software will help patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Make sure to check with your car manufacturer for any available updates and install them as soon as possible.
Use strong passwords – Avoid using default or weak passwords for your car’s Wi-Fi hotspot. Instead, use a strong, unique password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Keep your car’s Wi-Fi network secure – Make sure your car’s Wi-Fi network is password-protected and only connect to trusted networks. Avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots to access sensitive information while in your car.
Use a VPN – Consider investing in a virtual private network (VPN) that can encrypt your internet connection, protecting your data from being intercepted by hackers.
Disable Wi-Fi when not in use – To minimize the risk of your car’s systems being compromised, disable the Wi-Fi hotspot when you’re not using it. This will help reduce the attack surface and make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your car’s systems.

Conclusion

The convenience of connected cars comes with a cost – the risk of cyber attacks. It’s essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your car from these threats. By keeping your car’s software up to date, using strong passwords, keeping your Wi-Fi network secure, using a VPN, and disabling Wi-Fi when not in use, you can significantly reduce the risk of being hacked or duped. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to protect your car and your personal information.