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What Are the Signs of Car Being Hacked?

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January 23, 2025

The automotive industry has never been as developed and powerful as it is today. It is the development of technology and the introduction of innovations in the car that made our journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Auto manufacturers are constantly trying to introduce new features in their cars and show their advantage in the competitive field. However, technology is evolving for other people as well. In particular, for those who want to hack your car and manipulate it. Their goals and methods are often unpredictable; thus, protecting machines from hackers is becoming more difficult every day. This article analyzes the signs of a car being hacked and how you can protect your vehicle from hackers.

How Does Car Hacking Work?

Car hacking refers to unauthorized access to a vehicle’s control systems or networks. Modern vehicles have intricate systems that manage keyless entry, driver assistance, and various other features. Hackers typically target these systems by identifying even the smallest vulnerabilities. This allows them to gain control of the vehicle and manipulate its functions. This may lead to actions such as data breaches and can pose safety and security risks. Smart technology in vehicles has greatly improved connectivity, but it also presents potential vulnerabilities for cyberattacks. Enhancing cybersecurity measures is crucial for strengthening vehicle functionality and promoting driver safety. Focusing on these things can really help you make driving better and safer.

How Hackers Can Attack Cars

Car hacking is a relatively new phenomenon. That is why car owners have not yet fully learned the techniques used by hackers, making them vulnerable to hacking. Here are the most common forms used in the car hacking process.

Remote Software Hacking

Hackers are known for writing code that allows them to break into systems without permission. This approach is not limited to computers, and the same goal can be achieved in cars as well. Through remote software hacking, one can gain control over your GPS, transmission, steering wheel, and even brakes. Such activities surely raise serious safety questions and require meticulous attention.
If you’re wondering whether such an incident occurred, the answer is YES. It happened in 2015 in the famous Jeep Cherokee case. Cybersecurity researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek confidently identified signs of car being hacked in the vehicle’s system, which was primarily due to its internet connectivity, which enabled easy remote access. This incident demonstrated severe security risks and made the manufacturers update security measures in more than a million cars.

Key Fob Hacking

Key fob hacking is one of the most common car hacking methods. By utilizing different devices, people can receive a signal from a key fob and expand or transfer it. Redirecting these signals enables others to access your car without having physical keys.
If you think that modern vehicles are protected from such risks, unfortunately, that is not correct. Luxury cars and brand new expensive models that have a keyless entry system are the major targets for key fob hacking.

Data Theft

Hackers can illegally mine your data through your automobile. It all starts with downloading an infected app or file to your car’s infotainment system. If the car is connected to your phone via Bluetooth, hackers can access your data. That’s why you should always be careful before making any changes to your car’s computer system.

7 Ways Your Car Can Be Hacked: What Are the Signs of Car Being Hacked

These are the top 10 ways that hackers use against your auto:

  1. Remote Key Fob Signal Cloning: Duplicate signals can enable unauthorized individuals to gain access to your vehicle without detection.
  2. Keyless Entry System: The sign might indicate that your car unlocks without any action from your key fob or that the range seems unnaturally extended.
  3. Malware Infiltration: In this case, the radio may turn on and off unexpectedly, or the GPS may direct you to incorrect locations.
  4. Wi-Fi Hacking: Your vehicle’s Wi-Fi network may connect to unrecognized devices.
  5. Bluetooth Vulnerabilities: When using Bluetooth, your car may connect with various uncommon devices or tools.
  6. Mobile App Access: Be cautious of unexpected remote functions, such as starting or stopping actions without your input, and monitor for any signs of compromised account details.
  7. OBD-II Port Tampering: Occurrence of unexpected error codes or diagnostic data indicating potential manipulations.

Top 10 Cars Under the Risk of Car Hacking

Here is the list of top car models that can be under the car hacking risks based on their technological features and connectivity options:

  • Tesla Models (Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y)
  • Jeep Cherokee
  • BMW Models
  • Ford Explorer and F-150
  • Chevrolet Volt
  • Toyota Prius
  • Nissan Leaf
  • Audi A3 and A4
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class
  • Range Rover

Can Your Car Be Hacked?

Yes, your car may be a victim of a hacking attack. Hackers can manipulate your car by using a computer and tapping the signal. You may not notice signs of car being hacked at first, but you will gradually find something suspicious. Modern automobiles sometimes have advanced software that optimizes driving experiences, but these technologies may have flaws that hackers might target.
Dashboard warnings, unusual actions in automobile functions, and unpredictable touchscreen replies are all indicators of hacking. To prevent hacking, car owners should update software regularly, use safe passwords for linked apps, and take security measures such as turning off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when not in use.

What Are the Signs of Car Being Hacked?

It is critical to understand how to recognize warning indications of potential hacking throughout the auto maintenance procedure. Identifying car hacking signs quickly could be difficult. However, there are early warning signs such as braking issues, unexpected accelerations, or an unruly steering wheel. The car may also display warning alerts on its dashboard. Let’s discuss what these indicators are and how to determine faults in vehicles on time.

1. Unexplained Unlocking and Locking

Unexpected locking and unlocking of your vehicle can be one of the first indicators that it has been hacked. If the doors of your car lock or unlock by themselves without any action from you or your key fob, this is a warning sign to take seriously. There are two possible explanations. Hackers might use devices to intercept and replicate key fob transmissions. Alternatively, malicious programming could disrupt conventional locking procedures.

2. Changes in Car’s Performance

Unexplained changes in a vehicle’s performance can be signs of car being hacked. If the automobile suddenly shows unusual behavior, such as unpredictable acceleration, irregular braking, or rapid drops in fuel economy, it could mean that its systems have been tampered with. Hackers can gain access to the car’s ECUs and manipulate settings, causing the vehicle to behave unpredictably. For example, changing engine reactions or the rapid activation of specific functions without driver input could indicate unauthorized access. Such deviations not only degrade driving enjoyment but also jeopardize safety.

3. Deceiving Dashboard Warning Lights

Unusual dashboard warning lights might be an early clue of car hacking as they typically indicate interference with the vehicle’s electronic systems. Modern cars rely on complex software to control their engines, brakes, and safety measures, and hackers who gain access to such technologies can change or deactivate their functioning. When these mechanisms are modified, unusual warning lights can light up without any underlying technical fault, or they may fail to appear when there is a serious problem. For instance, a hacker may turn on the airbag warning light or modify the check engine light to deceive the driver.

4. Incorrect Mileage and Location

Unexplained changes in a car’s location or mileage can indicate potential hacking. Modern vehicles are equipped with GPS systems and digital odometers, which cybercriminals can target. If your car’s navigational information appears manipulated or indicates routes that you never traveled, it could indicate unauthorized access and tampering. Similarly, unusual changes in mileage—such as rapid rises or inconsistencies that do not match real usage—may suggest that hackers modified the vehicle’s data. Reasons can be various, including fraud or circumventing mileage restrictions. Such interference not only invades the owner’s privacy but may also trigger issues with safety, maintenance tracking, and the vehicle’s resale value.

5. Unrecognized Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections

Unauthorized Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections might be modest yet significant signs of possible vehicle hacking. When illegal devices connect to a car’s system via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it could be an attempt to access vehicle data or control features. Unauthorized connections can enable hackers to obtain conversations, change car settings, or even operate vital components remotely. Detecting and resolving strange connections is essential for protecting the automobile from any breaches that could jeopardize driver safety and the general integrity of your vehicle’s systems.

How to Protect Your Car from Hackers

Hacking machines is a significant challenge in the modern day. While manufacturers have the most resources to deal with this issue, you can take steps to secure your vehicle from hackers.

  1. Avoid saving your home address on your GPS: Although having your home in the GPS can be comfortable, it can give car thieves and hackers a clear path to find the vehicle.
  2. Restrict wireless or remote systems: Modern cars come with a variety of remote control options. These features create an exclusive setting and make our journey more comfortable. However, because these remote functions are managed online, hackers can easily target them.
  3. Don’t leave passwords in a car: Hacking doesn’t always happen remotely. They can try to get into your vehicle physically. In this case, if they find passwords inside, you will be unsecured against hackers. So, never leave passwords inside.
  4. Always visit trustworthy shops and service centers: Hacking your vehicle and gaining control over it takes a few minutes. Anyone who is physically close to the vehicle and knows hacking can benefit from it and break into your car. As a result, only use shops and services you trust.
  5. Do NOT download suspicious apps: Unauthorized apps and programs are keys to hacking. Hackers can easily get access to sensitive data through such apps and viruses. Be cautious and always check the app’s source before downloading.

These are the common steps that will help you improve the security of your vehicle and protect it from hackers. When it comes to safety, always be careful about suspicious activities or warning signs.

Mileage Blocker: The Best Remote Device for Car Testing

The mileage blocker is the safest and most effective remote device for vehicle testing. It doesn’t store data in ECUs, so it does not leave any trace. No scanner tools or testers can detect the real mileage. The SKF mileage blocker doesn’t need special technical knowledge, and it includes easy installation instructions for everyone. This device is legal in many countries, but local guidelines and laws must always be checked. For any information, please contact customer service.

Takeaway

It has become extremely challenging to protect a vehicle from hackers and detect signs of car being hacked. Modern vehicles, with advanced connectivity and technology, are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Key warning signs include unexpected unlocking, changes in performance, dashboard alerts, altered mileage, and unauthorized Bluetooth connections. To protect against hacking, car owners should update software, avoid suspicious apps, limit wireless access, and use trusted service centers.

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