Nowadays many car manufacturers offer car models that can be connected to the Internet. These cars can successfully be hacked! How can you prevent that?
The hijacking test was of course done in controlled environment, the driver knew what is to be expected like deactivating the breaks or killing the engine. It was only a demonstration of a possibility but it makes you wonder if similar situation can happen to you.
Is it difficult?
Taking control over a car is very difficult. Many people were working for a long time, even months to hijack not only the Jeep but also other cars, as there were many attempts. Before they managed to break in they came across many difficulties. Although a case of hijacking a real car has not yet been reported and the act is really troublesome, the tests have shown that this is indeed possible. You cannot assume that while driving your well-equipped car connected to the Web you will not fall prey to a cyberattack! Read on to know a few tips how to protect your car from hackers.
1. Car update
Cars should be updated similarly to smartphones or tablets. Although new solutions for car industry are not implemented as quickly as for mobile phones, they should not be overlooked. Updates can be done in an authorized service or at a car dealer. It is not yet possible to perform these updates automatically but one day it surely will be.
2. Software modification
Standard audio or navigation systems installed in cars should not be modified in any way. There are many offers on the market that promise to add additional functions to your car or even completely change it. But such modifications may not be as safe and professional as the original software so they should be avoided.
3. OBD and USB ports
Each car with an on-board computer is equipped with a special OBD port. It allows to plug in an external specialized device to, for example, check vehicle errors or software update. Plugging in unsuitable tools may result in the car‘s computer or even whole vehicle malfunctions. The Jeep test was conducted with the use of OBD port and modifications made in the car‘s computer. It is similar with plugging in a flash drive to the USB port installed in a car. You should not plug in drives with unknown content.
4. Used car
When buying a used car remember to not only thoroughly check its technical state but also the installed system. Ask the seller if the on-board computer has been modified in any way. If you decide to check the car at a mechanic‘s, ask for plugin the computer to the OBD port to check for potential errors.
The Internet and computer security is gaining more and more significance and the time when vehicles have to be connected to the Web all the time will surely come. The question is whether we and our cars would be susceptible to cyberattacks or viruses.