Technology is advancing rapidly, and cars are becoming so much more than they used to be. Today, almost every vehicle that rolls off the production line has countless systems and sensors, enhancing everything from driving safety to infotainment.

But while these bells and whistles make driving an absolute dream, they unfortunately open a whole new can of worms. With modern cars effectively being a computer on wheels, hackers are finding new ways to make their way in and wreak havoc.

While cyber threats are certainly serious, there are a few ways you can prevent them from happening. Here, we’ll go over how car hacking happens and some of the tips you can follow to keep your car safe.

Understanding How Car Hacking Happens

Any system of a tech-enabled car can be hacked, with infotainment often being the most vulnerable. In the worst-case scenario, a hacker could take total control of your vehicle while it’s in motion. Though this is very unlikely, it’s worth going over potential software exploits so you can be prepared:

• Telematics hacking: Your car’s telematics system monitors a wide range of data, including its location, speed, mileage, and even driver behavior. Being connected to the internet makes it a target for hackers, who can intercept the connection to track or interact with your vehicle remotely.
• Car apps: Most manufacturers now offer smartphone apps that can open your car and, in some cases, start the engine. This may sound great on paper, but if hackers can get into your account via stolen passwords or other means, they can compromise your vehicle.
• Onboard diagnostics (OBD) attacks: Most vehicles feature an OBD-II port designed to allow mechanics to access your car’s data. Anyone can buy the tech necessary to utilize this port to replicate keys or program new ones to steal your vehicle.
• Networking attacks: If your car has Wi-Fi hotspot capability, hackers can use an old-fashioned ‘denial of service’ attack to overwhelm your vehicle and shut down its systems.
• Malware: Having an internet-enabled vehicle can be very useful, but just like at home, connecting to the web brings with it the threat of malware. If hackers can trick you into clicking a link that installs a program they’ve designed, they can do almost anything to your vehicle.

As much as these are real threats, it’s more probable that hackers would try to steal your car while it’s unattended. Plenty of vehicles feature remote keyless entry (RKE) systems, offering drivers the convenience of locking, unlocking, and starting their cars without needing to physically touch the key. All that’s required is for the key fob to be nearby. However, thieves have become highly skilled at exploiting these systems to steal cars quickly.

Some of their tactics include:

• CAN bus hacking: Using specialized equipment, hackers can infiltrate a vehicle’s internal network through accessible points like wires or headlights. Once inside, they can easily unlock the car and start the engine.
• Signal jamming: This method involves disrupting radio signals, like those used by keyless entry systems. By jamming the signal from the key fob, thieves can prevent the car from receiving the lock command, leaving your car open and easy to steal.
• Relay attacks: In this scenario, two thieves work together with relay devices. One stays near the car, while the other stands near the owner’s key fob. They capture and relay the signal between the fob and the car, enabling them to unlock and start the vehicle without the fob being present.
• Replay attacks: Unlike relay attacks, replay attacks involve recording the transmission between the key fob and the car when it’s locked or unlocked and then playing it back later. This fools the car into thinking the fob is nearby and unlocks the doors.

Top Tips to Protect Your Car from Hackers

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to keep your car secure from potential digital intrusions. If you’re concerned about hackers, keep these key tips in mind:

1. Control Remote Access Features: Many vehicles allow owners to start the engine, unlock doors, or adjust settings remotely via smartphone apps. While convenient, these features can be an entry point for cybercriminals. Disable remote access when it’s not needed to reduce the risk of unauthorized control.

2. Lock Down Wireless Connections: Your car’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features provide easy connectivity, but they can also be exploited if left unprotected. Use strong, unique passwords and enable encryption where possible to prevent outsiders from intercepting signals or gaining access to your vehicle’s systems.

3. Keep Your Software Updated: Just like your phone and computer receive security updates, your car’s software needs regular patches to fix vulnerabilities. Automakers frequently release updates to address security flaws, so check for and install them promptly to keep hackers at bay.

4. Protect Your Key Fob from Signal Hijacking: Keyless entry systems are convenient but can be hijacked by hackers in a number of ways. Store your key fob in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch or wrap it in aluminum foil when not in use. Some vehicle manufacturers also allow you to disable the wireless signal for added security.

5. Be Selective with Third-Party Devices: Adding aftermarket gadgets to your car — like smart dash cams or GPS trackers — can introduce security risks if they aren’t properly vetted. Only purchase accessories from trusted manufacturers and check their cybersecurity measures before installation.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of modern car technology while keeping your vehicle safe from cyber threats. A little digital diligence goes a long way in protecting your pride and joy.

The Importance of Maintaining Electronic Components

Maintaining a car’s electrical components is crucial for preventing cyberattacks and ensuring overall vehicle security. Modern vehicles rely heavily on interconnected electronic systems, from keyless entry to navigation and infotainment. If these systems are not properly maintained, they become vulnerable to hacking attempts.

Regular software updates are essential for patching known vulnerabilities in vehicle control units, infotainment systems, and wireless communication channels. Additionally, maintaining the integrity of wiring, connectors, and sensors helps reduce the risk of physical tampering. Corroded terminals, loose connections, or exposed wires can serve as entry points for hackers. Properly securing remote access features, such as disabling them when not in use, also limits the opportunities for unauthorized access.

Endurance Auto Protection Plans for Electronic Components

Your vehicle’s electronic system can be some of the most expensive to replace, but there is a way to protect yourself from the cost of unexpected component failure. Almost all Endurance Warranty plans include some level of electronics coverage, so you can have repairs completed without having to worry about your wallet and without leaving your car vulnerable to cyber threats. The higher the level of plan you opt for, the more electronic components you can expect to be covered.

As well as market-leading coverage, our suite of unbeatable benefits goes even further to keep your car running smoothly. With your contract, you’ll get 24/7 roadside assistance (including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Endurance customers can also unlock a year’s worth of Elite Benefits, which add on up to four tire repairs or replacements annually, key fob replacement, up to $500 in collision discounts, and up to $1,000 in total loss protection.

Car Hacking FAQs

Still have some questions about car hacking? Our FAQs should have what you’re looking for:

How do I know if my car has been hacked?

Signs that your car may have been hacked include unexplained behavior such as sudden acceleration or braking without input, unexpected steering movements, or random shutdowns. You might also notice strange noises, increased data usage in your car’s infotainment system, or unfamiliar warning messages on the dashboard. If you experience any of these issues, a professional mechanic should inspect your vehicle to determine if it has been compromised.

What can hackers do to your car?

Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in modern vehicles to perform unauthorized actions such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, and disabling security systems. They may use techniques like CAN bus intrusion, signal jamming, relay attacks, and replay attacks to gain access. Once inside, they can manipulate various systems, potentially compromising the vehicle’s safety and security.

How are car manufacturers addressing automotive cybersecurity?

Car manufacturers are enhancing automotive cybersecurity by regularly releasing software updates to address vulnerabilities and protect vehicles against potential hacking threats. They also secure wireless communication channels, such as Bluetooth and remote access, by implementing encryption to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, manufacturers advise users to manage remote access features wisely, disabling them when not in use to minimize potential exploitation.

Protecting Your Vehicle’s Electrical Systems

If you want to keep your car’s electrical systems in check, an Endurance auto protection plan is the ideal solution. Whenever a covered component fails unexpectedly, take your vehicle to the nearest certified auto shop, tell them you’re an Endurance customer, and we’ll take care of the rest.

For more information on our plan range and what’s right for your needs and budget, call an Endurance advisor at (800) 253-8203 or head over to our website and shop online. We also have plenty of other articles on car safety, DIY maintenance, money-saving tips, and more, so take a look at our extended warranty blog if you’d like to keep reading.