Service King Sacramento

Can Vehicle Hacking Be Stopped?

Many vehicles being manufactured today offer a variety of voice commands and hands-free controls, send notifications about upcoming servicing, warn drivers of oncoming traffic and even help avoid collisions. Hacking is a concern in Sacramento, CA and all over the world and that's why Service King Sacramento is sharing this information with you now.

These “connected vehicles” equipped with Internet access included added safety features, improved fuel economy and overall convenience. However, along with all of the bells and whistles being added to modern cars, there is the unfortunate downside of potential cyber security threats.

A year ago, two technology researchers remotely hacked into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee while it was being driven, shut off the engine, disabled the brakes and were able to override the steering.

It may sound like something out of a James Bond movie, but security experts encourage drivers to take vehicle hacking seriously.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicles that use smart technology are becoming more vulnerable to hacking.

How to keep your connected car safe from hackers:

1.) Update software & avoid modifying it

When it’s time to update your vehicle’s software, first ensure it’s a legitimate update by contacting your local dealer or checking online. Be cautious about modifying software in any way because it may affect how your car operates, making it more susceptible to hacking.

2.) Check for recalls

NHTSA recalled nearly 1.5 million vehicles in July 2015 due to cyber security vulnerabilities that could pose a safety risk. If you haven’t received a notification, contact your dealership, check the vehicle manufacturer’s website or www.safercar.gov to learn if your car has been recalled due to hacking.

3.) Stop using your key fob

Instead of locking the car doors with your keyless entry system, use the central door lock button. It might sound crazy and inconvenient, but it will stop hackers from being able to scan the locking system.

4.) Buy a steering wheel lock

Once a thief notices the steering wheel lock inside, they may move on to another vehicle.

5.) Think twice before connecting a third-party device

New vehicles include an OBD-II standardized diagnostics port for technicians to inspect the systems in your car. Other tools can also plug into this port, which makes it possible for hackers to access your data. You can buy an OBD lock, which will protect your privacy in case someone tries to access information.

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Sources: safebee.com, ic.gov and Yahoo