How To Prevent Your Smart Car From Being Hacked
In recent years many devices have become connected in what is known as the Internet of Things, cars are no different. Smart cars can allow users to connect to the internet and pair their mobile devices through Bluetooth for convenience. These features are handy but they can also make your car vulnerable to being hacked, here’s what to do about it.
Keep Software Updated
Ensure that you are keeping on top of any new updates that your car requires, when software developers release updates of software hackers look for vulnerabilities in the software. This can be a lengthy process. If the developer notices that there are vulnerabilities in their software they will release security updates to prevent hackers from utilising previous software vulnerabilities. However, if software is not updated it can leave devices vulnerable to being hacked as they are using an old version of the software.
Disable Unused Services
If you don’t use certain wireless services that your car came with such as WIFI or Bluetooth you should deactivate them. If you are unsure of how to do this yourself you should contact your vehicle’s manufacturer for additional guidance. Wireless services allow hackers to find and hack your devices, including your car; which is why if you are never going to use them you should make sure your car is completely invisible to hackers.
Do Not Leave Documents Containing The Password To Your Car’s Operating System In The Car
If someone broke into your car and then found documents that included passwords to your car operating system it may mean that they can in some cases start your car up without a key and drive your car away! Or if they didn’t fancy driving around in your stolen car they could simply use this account access to install malware onto your car’s onboard computer.
Keep Informed About Your Cars Manufacturer And Model
Usually, when a key service affecting a lot of people is hacked it is often big news, so if you notice that your car make or model has made the headlines because they have been hacked you should ensure that you follow the story as it unfolds. The manufacturer of your car may have some security advice that can help you minimise the hack’s damage to your car.
Read: System Failure: What Is A DDOS Attack And How Can You Avoid it
Deactivate Previous Owner’s Access
If you buy a car that still has the previous owner’s account logged in you should ensure that you log them out at the earliest convenience; as this can prevent them from accessing information about you. Also if their account is still logged in they may still be able to track the car, unlock it and drive away even when they have sold the car and surrendered the keys to you. You should also ensure that when the time comes for you to sell your smart car you log your account out of the onboard computer. This can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to your account.
Report Problems Quickly
If your car’s onboard computer suddenly starts acting up and not working properly you should take your car to an authorised dealer as soon as possible for them to have a look to see if your car has been hacked or not. If it turns out that your car has been hacked they will be able to address the problem and help you take steps to prevent being hacked in the future.
Don’t Be A Beta Tester
Beta versions of software could be full of security flaws as it has likely not been thoroughly tested, meaning hackers could exploit these vulnerabilities and use them to hack into people’s cars. Avoiding beta versions of software can help you avoid such issues.
Ask Questions When You Are Buying A New Car
By asking the car dealer what cybersecurity systems the car has onboard can give you a better idea of how vulnerable each car you are viewing is to cyber-attacks. You should also ask them which systems can be operated remotely and which of the systems are connected. In an ideal world, you wouldn’t buy a car that can be tracked by a hacker, unlocked through hacks and driven away by a hacker who can start your engine remotely.
Conclusion
We would recommend that you always attempt to park your car in the safest locations available to you, particularly if you own a flashy car. Ideally, you should aim to park your car in good view of a CCTV camera that can watch over your car security and record somebody trying to break into your car; this can help law enforcement identify the suspect and have a higher chance of getting your car back. If you are going to be parking in London or any other large city you should ensure that you park in a city centre car park with good security measures.
