Automobile Desk: In today's time, when we see a new mid-size SUV coming on the road, it is no longer just an ordinary vehicle. Modern technology has turned vehicles into running computers on wheels. These contain a network of 50 to 100 electronic control units i.e. ECU, kilometers long wiring and complex software codes. The vehicles are always connected to the company's servers through the internet. On the basis of this connectivity, today it has become very common to start the engine, run the AC, track GPS and lock-unlock the doors from the smartphone.
But, as smart features are increasing in cars, the clouds of cyber threats are also increasing. In this world of technology, a little carelessness can put your car in danger. Let us know how modern vehicles can become the target of hackers and what things need to be kept in mind to avoid them.
In what ways are high-tech vehicles targeted?
According to security experts, several digital and physical avenues can be used to target modern cars:
Mobile Apps and Cloud Servers: Today almost every big company provides special mobile applications for its cars. If there is any security lapse in the servers or API of these apps, then people with ill intentions can try to break into the location of the vehicle, the position of the doors and other features.
Tampering in wiring: Different parts of the vehicle are interconnected through a network. If an outsider accesses the wiring of the headlight or bumper sensor, the central locking and immobilizer system can be affected by sending distorted signals.
Stealing the smart key signal: This is also called relay attack. In this, with the help of modern gadgets, thieves send the signal of the smart key kept inside the house to the vehicle parked outside. The car feels like the real key is nearby and unlocks without any struggle.
Misuse of OBD-II port: The diagnostic port is provided just below the dashboard of the car. Many times thieves try to program a new key and tamper with the security system by installing a special device in this port.
Can control of a moving vehicle be taken away?
It is often shown in films that someone sitting at a distance takes over the steering and brakes of a moving car. However, doing this in real life is not so easy. In new vehicles, the networks of the infotainment system and the main operating systems of the vehicle such as brakes and engine are kept completely separate. There is a central gateway and a strong firewall between them, which prevents any suspicious instructions from moving forward. The biggest threats at present are car theft, monitoring of personal data and accessing internal features of the vehicle without permission.
What are the rules regarding cyber security?
Strict standards are being followed in the automobile industry to ensure the safety of vehicles. Government and regulatory bodies are setting standards that make it mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to make robust cyber security arrangements. This includes secure hardware, security of data communications, and periodic threat checks. Apart from this, emphasis is also laid on keeping the over-the-air updates of the software completely secure so that there can be no outside interference during the update.
Easy ways to keep your car safe
Always keep your smart key in a metal or signal-blocking pouch at home, so that its signal cannot reach outside the house.
While parking the vehicle, use steering lock or pedal lock for additional security.
Get a lock installed on the diagnostic port below the dashboard so that no one can easily connect a device to it.
Always use a strong password on car-related mobile applications and keep biometric authentication active.
When installing any new accessory or dashcam in your vehicle, always use plug-and-play connectors instead of cutting the wiring midway.
Keep installing the software updates provided by the company on time so that the security circle always remains strong.