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Driving in a cyberage -

Modern automobiles and vehicles typically contain 80 or more computer systems, which record anything from when car doors are opened to gear changes and climate control settings, through to airbag deployment, power steering, and suspension and transmission control.

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Electronic control units -

These computers, called electronic control units (ECU), communicate with each other through multiple networks and communication protocols.

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Controller area network -

These networks and protocols include the controller area network (CAN) for vehicle component communication such as connections between engine and brake control.

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Data overload -

It's estimated that an ordinary car generates 25GB of data for every hour of use. That's approximately three times the amount consumed each month by a cell phone user.

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Smartphones on wheels -

Today's vehicles are essentially smartphones on wheels. While that may have a novel ring to it, this vast treasure trove of data has attracted a new and sophisticated type of criminal: the car hacker.

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Cybersecurity risks -

While ECUs and the CAN bus send and receive information, this same intelligence can be intercepted. According to a 2024 report published by Upstream, a cybersecurity and data platform for cars, automotive and mobility cybersecurity risks have evolved from experimental hacks (for example, keyless entry and key fob attacks) to large-scale attacks. Worryingly, 95% of cyber attacks are executed remotely, 85% of them long range.

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Identifying attack vectors -

Car hackers use what's known as attack vectors to get access to your car's computer system. Attack vectors are weak points in a system that can be used to access your car's network. The more systems controlled by a computer, the greater the choice of vectors at hand for someone with criminal intent. So, what are some of the ways a hacker can gain access to your vehicle's system?

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OBD port -

A common method is accessing the OBD (on-board diagnostics) port. This is a universal connector port that mechanics can use to run tests and diagnostics on your car's computer.

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Counterfeit parts and components -

The rise in counterfeit car parts and components embedded with malware has handed cybercriminals with another way of hacking your vehicle.

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MP3 malware -

Cybercriminals can access your car's computer system through MP3 malware via a Bluetooth connection. A music download can actually upload malicious code to your car using an audio file. In other words, a song can infect your vehicle with a virus.

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Data download risks -

In fact, any update or app download has the potential to infect your vehicle's computer system with a virus.

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Key fob follies -

And the usual suspect, intercepting a key fob signal, remains a popular trend in car theft. When a car owner presses the key fob unlock button, a malicious user can intercept the signals and save them for future use.

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EV charging station threats -

A growing threat is the ability by hackers to gain access to a vehicle's computer system via an EV charging station. Electric vehicles make up approximately 15% of global new car sales, according to Upstream. Ergo, the rise in the number of charging stations has provided another platform on which cybercriminals can operate.

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Attack point -

Hackers have devised a number of ingenious ways to attack an EV station, anything from creating extensive charging demand to getting access to private consumer info such as credit card data.

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The threats car hackers pose -

If a car hacker does manage to infiltrate your vehicle's computer system, they can inflict a whole world of hurt throughout the network. For example, they can remotely follow you through your tire pressure monitoring system.

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Car brake system -

A very serious result of a successful hack is the ability to disable the brakes while you are driving. This act can have life-threatening consequences.

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Vehicle speedometer -

Equally dangerous is the way a hacker with malicious intent can cause your vehicle to accelerate. Imagine the shock of suddenly being at the wheel of car that shoots ahead without warning!

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Vehicle sat nav system -

A car hacker is able to change your destination on your navigation system.

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Phone connected to car -

Having your mobile device hacked is something we are all warned about. But if it's connected to your car, a cybercriminal has a far easier route to your personal information.

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A key aspect -

As previously explained, someone with access to your car's key fob can open your vehicle without your knowledge. Who knows their intent once this has been achieved?

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Malicious intent -

And bear in mind that a car hacker may not have your vehicle in their sights, rather they'll use your car's computer system to send malicious messages or data to your phone or laptop.

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Windshield wipers -

Few components are safe from a car hacker. Windshield wipers, for example, can be switched off or their function altered to present another potentially dangerous scenario.

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Climate control system -

And even a climate control system is vulnerable to a dedicated transit bandit. In fact, the more susceptible the system, things like air conditioning, headlamps, windows, etc., the more likely they'll fall victim to a hack.

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Use a secure pin and password -

The majority of hacking, though, is undertaken to get personal information or personal property. So, what can you do to lower the odds of a cyber attack? First of all, follow the golden rule: choose a secure pin and password for any apps that interconnect with your vehicle.

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Never write down a password -

A no-brainer, really. Never write down your password, and certainly don't leave it on a scrap of paper in your car. It's an open invitation to disaster.

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Use a Faraday bag -

Invest in a Faraday bag. These handy items are manufactured using material that blocks some electromagnetic fields, such as your key fob's signal. Use one to carry your fob and mobile device.

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Only purchase certified car parts -

We touched on counterfeit parts and components earlier. To be absolutely sure that what you install and use is the real McCoy, insist on getting certified parts. Not only will these be free of malware, they'll be safe to run, too.

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Tried and tested -

Likewise, use a trusted mechanic when servicing or repairing your vehicle. Remember, these guys have access to your computer system!

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Disconnect from a OBD port -

We've also previously talked about OBD ports. It's wise not to leave anything connected to the OBD, such as a car insurance carrier's tracking device. OBDs are a major hacking vector and are easily taken advantage of by anyone with mischief on their mind.

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Download at your risk -

Remember, downloading music or data to your car's entertainment system serves as another open invite for an unscrupulous individual looking to commit a cybercrime.

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Android Auto or Apple CarPlay -

To that end, install systems such as Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. These feature more advanced security protocols than most other infotainment systems.

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Cover the VIN -

An often overlooked security measure is to cover your VIN (vehicle identification number). It's usually located at the bottom of the windshield. A VIN is a unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. A skilled hacker can use this information to their benefit.

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Don't ignore vehicle recalls -

Finally, pay attention to recalls. Motor manufacturers are constantly on the lookout for vulnerable areas in a car's computing system. If they identify a threat, they'll want to deal with it immediately. Better a few days' inconvenience using the bus, let's say, than experiencing the chaos and ordeal of being car hacked.

Sources: (Wired) (The Atlantic) (Auto Approve) (Upstream) (Metabase Q) (AutoCheck.com) 

See also: The biggest cyber attacks in history

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