Protecting Yourself from Car Hacking: Insights from the Professionals
In the modern era, cars have become more than just a means of transportation - they are now equipped with smart features that make our lives easier. However, these advancements have also made vehicles more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here's a guide on how to safeguard your car, particularly focusing on smart keys and vehicle systems.
Recent research by Qihoo 360 has revealed another method for hacking cars, this time through smart keys. This revelation led to a massive recall of over a million vehicles by Chrysler in 2013, after researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek successfully hacked the system of a Jeep by exploiting flaws in its software.
To prevent such incidents, experts recommend using Faraday bags or pouches to block the key fob’s signal. These metal-lined containers hinder radio frequency signals from your key fob, making it difficult for thieves to capture or amplify the signal remotely to unlock or start your car. Aluminum foil wrapping, acting as a makeshift Faraday cage, can also provide a layer of security against signal interception.
Parking your car in well-lit, busy, or secured places with CCTV surveillance reduces the chance of theft. Avoid isolated spots or dark corners, especially overnight. Upgraded vehicle security systems, such as central locking systems with auto-locking while driving, remote locking/unlocking, and alarms, can deter thieves. Keeping your vehicle’s security system updated and using visible deterrents like steering wheel locks or dash cams can add additional barriers.
Installing GPS or Very High Frequency (VHF) trackers enables real-time monitoring of your vehicle’s location, helping recover the car quickly if stolen. However, it's important to note that no single security measure is foolproof, so combining multiple precautions is crucial.
New hacking tools like the Flipper Zero device can intercept and clone key fob signals quickly by exploiting vulnerabilities in rolling code security algorithms. This highlights the importance of regularly updating a vehicle’s software to receive security patches and prevent potential cyberattacks.
In summary, using a Faraday bag or aluminum foil to shield your key fob's signal, parking defensively in secure, well-lit areas, upgrading and maintaining your vehicle’s security systems, and considering adding a car tracker can effectively protect your car from hacking and theft. The security systems of various car models, including Audi, Ford, Chevrolet, BYD, BMW, and others, need to be reinforced to prevent cyberattacks.
[1] Faraday Bags/Pouches: https://www.faraday-bag.co.uk/ [2] Aluminum Foil Wrapping: https://www.hackster.io/news/protect-your-car-from-keyless-theft-with-aluminum-foil-5d9d329f19e3 [3] Parking Precautions: https://www.nationwide.com/auto-insurance/resources/car-security-tips [4] Car Trackers: https://www.gpstracker.com/ [5] Flipper Zero Device: https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/flipper-zero
- The use of Faraday bags or pouches can help safeguard your smart key from hacking attempts by blocking the key fob's signal.
- Following parking precautions such as parking in well-lit, busy, or secured places with CCTV surveillance can reduce the chances of theft and hacking.
- Upgrading your vehicle's security system with features like central locking systems, remote locking/unlocking, alarms, and visible deterrents like steering wheel locks or dash cams can deter thieves and potential hackers.
- Installing GPS or Very High Frequency (VHF) trackers offers real-time monitoring of your vehicle’s location, helping recover the car quickly if stolen, and it's advisable to regularly update a vehicle’s software to receive security patches and prevent potential cyberattacks.
