What is Car Hacking? Modern Threats and Ways to Protect Your Vehicle

Car hacking is a widespread practice in the automotive industry, as modern automobiles have become computerized due to technological advancement in all fields of life. Advanced systems and technology bring comfort and convenience, and at the same time, they become the reasons for various vulnerabilities, which makes cyber attacks easier. We enjoy the advantages of modern cars in exchange for our privacy and cyber safety. Most car features rely on the software systems, such as assistance systems, steering and braking, lights, door locks, GPS, and safety. In short, by intruding into the car software, everything is possible for wrongdoers. Most people have to ignore safety and privacy for the sake of advanced features.

So, cybersecurity is still a big challenge for the industry as it is very difficult to identify who is the responsible party. We utilize various apps and services where we agree to use the information reasonably. However, it is hard to have control over time, and our automobile may become a victim of attack anytime, even when we are asleep.
Below, we will discuss the phenomenon of car hack, common tendencies, vulnerabilities, real-life cases, and common legislative/industrial efforts to combat cybercrime in the auto industry.

What is car hacking?

Automotive hacking is a form of cyberattack involving unauthorized access to or manipulation of a vehicle’s computer systems, typically to steal data, take control, or alter systems for malicious purposes. Modern automobiles are fully computerized; they are computers on wheels. Vehicles rely on interconnected chips, small computers called ECUs ( Electronic control units), which manage and control nearly every aspect of the automobile, from engine performance to safety features. For example, modern autos have advanced driving assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, software that helps to avoid collisions. We also have connectivity options such as WIFI and Bluetooth, which allow us to use a lot of third-party tools and smartphone connections to get all the data directly to your phone. The onboard diagnostic system is another important feature, as it can alert drivers about potential issues and monitor the general health of the vehicle.
Hence, the more comfortable and beneficial advanced features are, the greater the chance of Car hacking. Below, we will discuss the key areas that are the most vulnerable.

Vulnerability of modern cars: the most vulnerable areas

Automotive hacking can be done in various ways; it is not hard to find vulnerable areas because they are found in almost all areas. The following areas are the most vulnerable:

• Keyless entry system: keyless entry is an advanced system that removes the necessity of a physical key for locking and unlocking. With the help of signal extenders, wrongdoers can easily perform relay attacks and take control of the automobile. Keyless system vulnerability is widely used for stealing automobiles.
• Telematics: It is the method of monitoring cars, trucks, and equipment with the help of GPS technologies. In 2022, a group of security researchers discovered many vulnerabilities in 16 carmakers (BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Genesis, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan). As researchers found, wrongdoers can retrieve customers’ private information and send various commands, such as starting/stopping the engine, locking, and unlocking the vehicle.
• Wireless communication channels: Wireless connections, such as WiFi and Bluetooth, are very common in automobiles nowadays; they both ensure more comfortable rides. For example, Bluetooth is used widely in vehicles to make hands-free calls and play music. So, through those channels, car hack is possible. It is easy for hackers to access data between vehicles and smartphones. The danger is genuine; for example, in 2017, researchers revealed Tesla Bluetooth vulnerabilities. Those relay attacks bypass proximity authentication and allow unauthorized access. Similarly, an in-built WiFi hotspot has the same weakness when it comes to car hacking. The same vulnerability was found in a Jeep Cherokee’s Wi-Fi system in 2020, which allows attackers to remotely access and control the vehicle’s braking and acceleration systems.
• Onboard diagnostic ports: OBD ports, usually used for diagnostic purposes, are also vulnerable to attack. Risks include physical access, remote access with third-party tools, and sending deceptive commands.

Statistical data: the rise of automotive cyberattacks

Automotive hacking continues to rise as automobiles continue to rely heavily on advanced technologies. The recent tendencies displayed in statistical data confirm that cybercrime is real. In 2023, over 295 cases were documented. Remote attacks using wireless channels dominate the cases. Below, we list the top findings and tendencies of car hack:
2019-2023 years was a period when 527 vulnerabilities were found among Software and Hardware suppliers worldwide.
With Generative AI, Cyberattacks become severe, easier to perform, and difficult to detect. At the same time, AI helps cybersecurity teams analyze all threats and risks deeply.
Social media is considered one of the most powerful tools, and it is widely used to exchange knowledge between attackers and hackers. However, social media platforms are also used for malicious Purposes. The famous TikTok challenge (in 2023, this challenge resulted in thousands of theft cases of Kia and Hyundai cars) is enough to demonstrate the malicious effects of social media.
The cost of car hacking is huge. These attacks result in various outcomes, such as fraud, theft, private information leaks, and reputational damage. When all adds up, it results in a greater financial impact. For example, only widespread odometer fraud worth 1 billion dollars annually for Americans due to its consequences.
Surely, consumers are not the only victims. Car makers, supply chain managers, fleet operators, and telematics providers face the constant challenge of managing both: offering customers sophisticated services and products and ensuring safety and protection. Sensitive information leak and recovery costs were $4.35 million per incident in 2023.
Not surprisingly, the real challenge is the implications and consequences of automotive hacking. So, what is the solution to this situation? In the following paragraph, we will discuss government and industry efforts to tackle this problem effectively.

What do the government and auto industry do to ensure cybersecurity?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration actively collaborates with the auto industry to improve cybersecurity and tackle the challenges it poses. NHTSA supports a multi-layered approach to security, which ensures that attacks will be harder to perform. They also support a comprehensive approach that results in stronger protection. Layered protection includes:

• Develop a risk-based approach for the identification of car hack and protection of safety-critical vehicle control systems.
• Timely detection and quick response to potential vehicle cybersecurity threats on US roads.
• Design resilient architectures to improve defense and enable quick recovery.
• Promote effective intelligence and information sharing across the automotive industry.
• Support initiatives like Auto-ISAC, increasing awareness and collaboration within the industry.

The Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC) also works hard to improve cybersecurity strategies. Founded in 2015, it represents a platform where suppliers, automakers, and the commercial vehicle sector cooperate. The organization aims to protect consumers from potential threats through risk management, incident response planning, and cybersecurity training.

How should you protect yourself from automotive cyberattacks?

To protect yourself from car hacking is a real challenge nowadays, but you can take several measures for prevention:
To avoid key fob attacks, search for the best protector for your key fob, so it would be impossible to perform relay attacks using this method.
Make sure that your car’s software is updated; manufacturers are continuously working on strengthening defense against potential automotive hacking, so make sure that you have the latest software.
Protects wireless communication channels. As we mentioned, wireless channels are usually vulnerable. The solution is to use strong passwords and additional protection like a two-factor authentication.
Beware of third-party tools. You should use those tools if you consider them beneficial, but make sure that they are from authoritative and reliable companies and manufacturers. Low-quality tools are less reliable as car hack is easier to perform.

Can mileage be hacked?

Yes, mileage and other data in an automobile can be hacked. This is called Odometer fraud and is considered one of the biggest consumer frauds in the US and the world. Altering mileage data may happen in different ways, including resetting and rollbacking miles in order to deceive potential buyers and push them to pay more. As advanced cars have digital odometers, tampering happens by messing with the automobile’s software with “rollback” devices, which are usually available on the market. Those devices are usually created for various purposes, such as diagnostic purposes, but dishonest individuals use them for car hacking.
Fortunately, most devices are traceable, and it is easy to discover altered mileage, as in modern automobiles, the data is stored in different control units, not only in the dashboard.
Mileage fraud is a widespread form of car hack, so choose third-party devices for your automobile wisely to prevent this.

What is the most reliable third-party tool you should own?

The most reliable and beneficial device for testing your automobile is a Mileage blocker. Manufactured in Germany with premium-quality components, the tool acts as a blocker and can stop the mileage recording process unconditionally. The device is available for most models and makers on the Super kilometer filter website. The mileage blocker offers multiple benefits, which make the product outstanding and superior to its alternatives. The main benefits of the module are the following:

• Halts mileage recording process unconditionally;
• Quality components;
• It is user-friendly, easy to install ;
• It comes with app support;
• Untraceable effect;
• The speedometer, tachometer (Tacho), and other systems continue work without any interference;

The tool is legal to use unless it is used for automotive hacking. The manufacturer recommends using it only in a controlled environment to test the automobile’s performance.

Takeaway

Car hacking is a malicious practice that is widespread nowadays. Governments, organizations, and the auto industry try to cooperate to tackle the problem. Despite a lot of effort, cybersecurity remains the top challenge in all fields of life in the modern world, and the auto industry is no exception. It’s our collective responsibility to take preventative measures if we really want to enjoy the benefits of advanced technologies without victimizing privacy and safety.