What You Can Do to Stop Hackers From Controlling Your Car

Your smartphone is capable of being turned into a spy device that monitors everything you do if the appropriate software is installed on it. It’s terrifying, I know. Find out if your phone is affected by following these steps.

Check your computer while you’re at it. These are the telltale symptoms that your web activity, searches, and possibly even the passwords you punch into websites are being tracked by stalker ware.

However, even your car is not safe from damage. A dedicated hacker can intercept or block the signal from your key fob, infiltrate the software in your vehicle, and even take remote control of your vehicle if they are equipped with the appropriate electronics and software capabilities.

Is it possible to break into your connected car? Most certainly, yeah. How to do it:

Hacks applied to software

• Automotive applications that have been compromised

Is there an app for your smartphone that enables you to lock and unlock your vehicle as well as start it from a distance? Practically every manufacturer of automobiles includes this convenience in some of their models and kinds of cars.

These applications are secured by the user’s account username and password. Hackers are able to compromise your entire vehicle if they are able to gain access to your account or find and exploit a flaw in the software of the car.

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My recommendation is that in order to protect your remote start app, you should first change the default password, then use credentials that are both powerful and unique, and finally, you should never recycle passwords from different services. If you can, turn on two-factor authentication, and make sure that the software is always up to date.

Telematics exploits

The all-encompassing word “telematics” refers to a connected system that performs remote monitoring of the operation of your car. This information may include the location of your vehicle, its speed, its mileage, the amount of gasoline it uses, how it brakes, the condition of its engine and battery, and the conduct of the driver.

You should already be aware that anything that is connected to the internet is susceptible to being exploited. Hackers who are able to intercept your connection have the ability to remotely track and even manipulate your vehicle. That is truly terrifying.

Take it from me: Talk to the salesperson at your local auto dealership about the safety precautions they take to protect linked vehicles from cyberattacks before you buy a car that has built-in telematics. If you own a connected automobile, you need to make sure the software that runs onboard is always up to current.

• Attacks against computer networks

Here’s a look back in time. Cybercriminals can also use more traditional denial-of-service attacks to overwhelm your vehicle and potentially disable essential features and services such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and door locks. These attacks are also known as DoS attacks.

Because some connected automobiles come equipped with their own Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, it is possible for an attacker to carry out this assault. They are even able to steal your data if they infiltrate the local network in your automobile, just like they can with conventional home Wi-Fi networks.

What You Can Do to Stop Hackers From Controlling Your Car

Also, there is the issue of ensuring one’s physical safety. Keep in mind that modern cars are controlled by a network of computers and Engine Control Modules. If hackers are able to bring these systems down, they have a significant ability to put your life in jeopardy.

Take it from me: It is imperative that you alter the password for your car’s onboard Wi-Fi network on a regular basis. When not in use, the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity features of your vehicle should both be turned off.

The Wi-Fi network in your home needs to be password-protected as well. Follow these instructions to locate and get rid of anything that has no business being on your network.

Onboard diagnostics, sometimes known as OBD, can be hacked.

An onboard diagnostics port is standard equipment in all contemporary vehicles. Via this interface, mechanics are able to view fault codes and statistics, as well as program new keys and access new data pertaining to your vehicle.

Anyone can go out and buy an exploit kit, which allows anyone to use this port to make copies of keys and program new ones, which can then be used to steal vehicles.

Always follow my recommendation and visit a trustworthy mechanic. You may also find that a physical steering wheel lock provides you with an additional piece of mind.

In-car malware

Connected automobiles, more specifically those with internet connectivity and built-in web browsers, are the target of yet another breach from the early days of the internet.

Criminals can infect your vehicle’s computer system with malware by sending you emails and messages with attachments and links that lead to malicious websites. After the malicious software is installed, anything could happen.

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Due to the fact that car systems do not have built-in security against malware, this can be difficult to detect.

Take it from me: Maintain a high standard of computer safety at all times, including while it’s linked to your vehicle. Never open emails or messages from unknown senders, and under no circumstances should you click on links in those messages.

Key fob attacks

Attacks on key fobs are more prevalent now than they have ever been before as a direct result of the growth of low-cost electronics and relay devices that can be acquired readily online.

The breach of the relay

The security of your vehicle is severely compromised by key fobs that are always active. Anyone can open the car as long as their keys are within range, and the security system will assume it was you who did it. Because of this, the doors of newer models of cars won’t unlock until the key fob is within a distance of one foot.

On the other hand, criminals can obtain relay boxes for a reasonable price that can catch key fob signals from a distance of up to 300 feet and transmit them to your vehicle.

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When another thief searches your home with another relay box, one criminal will wait for you at your vehicle while holding one. When the signal from your key fob is detected, it is sent to the box that is located closer to your vehicle. This causes the box to open.

Continue reading for instructions on how to safeguard your key fob.

Keyless jamming

In this situation, criminals will interfere with your signal. Let’s say you give the order to lock the door from your key fob. It won’t be able to get to your vehicle, therefore your doors won’t need to be secured. After then, the criminals will have unrestricted access to your vehicle.

Take it from me: When leaving your vehicle, you should always double-check the doors manually. Even if the thieves manage to get inside your vehicle, you can still prevent them from stealing it by installing a lock on the steering wheel.

How to block assaults with key fobs

There are a few simple defenses available to thwart key fob assaults. You can purchase a pouch that blocks signals and also has a place to keep your keys, such as a shielded RFID-blocking pouch.

Put it in the refrigerator, please…

Here’s a free solution to your problem: Put the key fob into the freezer or the refrigerator. The signal will not be able to pass due to the several layers of metal. Check with the company that made your key fob to make sure that freezing it won’t cause any damage to it.

The microwave will also prevent signals from getting through. Simply refrain from turning it on.

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Cover the key fob in aluminum foil.

Since the signal from your key fob is disrupted when it is near metal, another option is to wrap it in aluminum foil. Even though it’s the simplest method, if it’s not done correctly, it can cause the signal to be lost. If you’re in the mood for some handicraft, you could also build a box with a foil lining to store your keys in.

Maintain your level of technological savvy.

“Kim Komando Today” is the name of my immensely successful podcast. It’s a good half an hour of news about technology, helpful hints, and people just like you calling in with questions about technology from all across the country. Look for it in the podcast directory of wherever you get your shows. Click on the link provided below to watch the most recent episode at your leisure.

In addition, I reveal the alarming explanation for the recent increase in the number of reported sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), provide instructions on how to protect your skis using GPS trackers, discuss the best three police scanner applications, and reveal a method for saving $456.76. In addition to that, I assist others in recovering from Discord fraud, setting up new websites, and installing security cameras. In addition to that, there is a good helping of puns!

Listen to my podcast, “Kim Komando Today,” which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast player of your choosing.

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