It is possible to manipulate the brakes of a car, its engine, start it without a key… and do it remotely -even if it is running-, without permission from its owner and to do it in a relatively simple way. That’s how clear the General Directorate of Traffic warns us.
It’s not a science fiction thing, even though it looks like it in the movies. Hackers can access our car in various ways, and it’s all because of the technological advances that more and more vehicles incorporate.
To curb these security problems, due to the fact that there are no unified protocols or agreed actions, component manufacturers have been working for years, and it seems that a solution is on the way.
In record time, the UN has developed a standard that unifies the criteria and requirements, and implements the minimum cybersecurity bases for all vehicles. All this has resulted in the cybersecure vehicle certificate (Regulation UNECE/R155).
All vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, buses, motorhomes…) that are homologated from July 2022 and all those that are sold from July 2024 they will have to count this certificate.
Meanwhile, millions of drivers are at the mercy of pirates and hacks. As it is not something to be taken lightly, at the DGT they give us eight key tips to prevent our car from being hacked:
- Be aware: nono car is immune. Depending on the degree of digitization of our car, it will be more or less vulnerable. The only way to reduce it is to understand it and stay alert.
- Updated software: Most of the time, updates are created to plug cybersecurity holes. Keep your car’s software updated with the versions provided by the manufacturer.
- Scan before connecting: USB devices are the most common Trojan horse for installing malicious software. It is essential to pass the antivirus for any USB device before connecting it to our car.
- Shut down all connections: They are entrance and exit doors. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use. Also do not forget to control who you offer (better, do not) the Wi-Fi service of your vehicle.
- Watch out for downloads! The smartphone is taking on more and more functions that were previously fulfilled by other devices. Always watch what programs and applications you download, one of them could be a Trojan horse to gain control of your car.
- Watch your keys: The most modern keys allow you to control a multitude of car functions. They can copy our signal – it’s the simplest – when we press the button to open and close the doors. Lock and unlock the car with the manual key in places that you do not consider safe.
- Protect the controller: This step is an evolution of the previous one. Today they sell specialized bags that prevent access to the command signal and will prevent someone from duplicating it for us by ‘accident’.
- Beware the OBD2: It is a communications port that allows you to diagnose, program or code multiple electronic devices. It is very important to know where it is and what is connected to it. It is a very tempting door for cybercriminals.
With this manual of good practices, our vehicle should be more prepared for possible hacks. Although, as you know, there is nothing infallible against hackers, only things that slow them down.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism