With the smart technology we have nowadays, some cars look like they’re from a Sci-Fi movie. Driving them feels like that, as well. The features they have now were once unimaginable. Even though these new technologies make driving easier and more fun, they also make UK drivers worry about the safety of their cars. With cybercrime on the rise, they often wonder: can the smart technology in their cars be hacked?
What are the perks of smart technology in your car
Investing in a car with smart features feels like you’ve made it in life, right? Of course, it does because those types of cars have many perks. For example, driving long distances from one location to another is no longer a headache. GPS systems help UK drivers find the fastest route, avoid traffic, and find gas stations and restaurants. If you want to pass the time, you can connect your phone or tablet to the car’s system and enjoy a world of entertainment. You can listen to music and podcasts and even enjoy a movie or two, depending on the length of the trip (only when you’re not the driver).
Modern cars come with tons of safety features like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors. Some even have voice-activated controls, so you can keep your eyes on the road while managing your car. Plus, when you sync your phone with your car’s system, you can make calls, send texts, and use apps without using your hands. How convenient is that? But everything comes with a price.
Can smart technology in cars be hacked?
The million-dollar question. And the answer is yes, it can be. As long as they transform cars into computers on wheels, these vehicles become vulnerable to cyber threats, just like any device. A car’s software system can sometimes have vulnerabilities that hackers love to exploit.
Bluetooth and wi-fi access points
Many cars have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can connect your smartphone. Nevertheless, if not protected, these wireless technologies can serve as gateways for cybercriminals. A hacker could intercept data or exploit vulnerabilities to gain control of the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications
Newer car models have integrated V2X communication systems. It’s a wireless connection between cars where they can share data about speed, location, and direction of travel. While this is great for road safety, it can be troublesome for car owners. It opens up another channel for hackers to dive in, especially if the communication isn’t encrypted or authenticated properly.
Remote car control
With some high-end cars, you can start, lock, or unlock them by using an app on your phone. While this is convenient, hackers can take over these features if the apps are not properly secured. This puts your car’s safety at great risk.
Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
Software updates for cars are done online by the companies that make them. This is how they fix bugs or add new features. But, if the OTA update system isn’t secure, hackers could intercept these updates, install malware, or exploit the system.
How to protect your car?
If you want to enjoy peaceful driving for the rest of your life, you must act now. There are security measures you can take to protect your vehicle.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
Connect your vehicle to Wi-Fi without the fear of being snooped online. Your smart car’s best friend is a VPN service because it encrypts your internet connection and makes it harder for hackers to steal your data. A VPN provides security and privacy, especially when travelling and using public Wi-Fi networks.
Keep software up-to-date
You update your phone and laptop, right? Well, it’s the same with your smart car. Manufacturers release updates to fix security holes and improve your car’s performance. So, never postpone these updates because they matter.
Disable unused features
You might not want to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and that’s okay. So, it’s smart to disable them to reduce the number of access points a hacker could take advantage of.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
For vehicles that come with apps or remote control features, ensure that you use strong passwords and enable 2FA where possible. This is what takes your online security to another level.
