WiFi thieves can target over 100 car models and drive them away or disable them for the legal owners, research shows.
Despite 110 car models being vulnerable to one of the most prevalent digital attacks – theft of the vehicle via hacking of the keyless entry and ignition system- only 50 per cent of drivers with keyless access are concerned about their car being stolen, a new study shows.
Research for website MoneySuperMarket highlights the security flaws that hackers can exploit to attack a vehicle, from key jamming to phone phishing for car access. | A simple robust steering wheel lock can be a major deterrent, if it’s used every time the car is left. |
The results reveal not only the hacking methods to which your car may be vulnerable, but also the nation’s level of understanding of the overall problem.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that there may be a resurgence of vehicle crimes after a long period of decline, with an overall 19 per cent increase in vehicle crime and a 29 per cent increase in crimes related to vehicle interference since 20143. The increasing prevalence of car technology creating opportunities for hackers is thought to be a contributing factor, making the deployment of up-to-date security measures more important than ever.
Hacking methods | Additional security weak spots include | |
One of the most common approaches used by hackers is to attack cars with keyless access. Criminals use a relay system to access the vehicle by amplifying a key signal from inside a property so that it reaches the car on the driveway.
About 19 per cent of drivers already disable their keys when not in use, by either placing them into a secure holder such as a microwave or a Faraday cage to block the signal. |
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Despite the risks, 13 per cent of drivers are still excited about cars with automation, Wi-Fi hotspots and biometric access. However, 22 per cent are more wary and consider this new technology to be a security threat.
And it seems those who were concerned may be right to be worried – 16 per cent of drivers or someone they know have experienced a form of car hacking. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge surrounding the cover available for victims of these attacks, with 79 per cent of people admitting they don’t know whether their car insurance policy would cover them if their vehicle were hacked.
Tom Flack, Editor-in-Chief at MoneySuperMarket, said, “Car-hacking is little understood but a very real threat. Manufacturers are adding increasing amounts of technology to our vehicles, and new technology comes with new risks that drivers need to understand and guard against.
“We recommend fully researching a vehicle and its capabilities and limitations before purchase, and getting to know a vehicle you already own to make sure you’re aware of any potential security flaws. Sometimes an old-fashioned security method, such as a steering lock, can be all that’s needed to protect against criminals.
“As far as hacking activity such as keyless theft – so-called ‘relaying’ – is concerned, insurers will pay out providing the owner/driver has taken reasonable care to protect their property. Owners of cars deemed by insurers to be a particular risk of keyless theft may find they are charged higher premiums as a result.”