New Technological Innovations in Vehicles Increase Risk of Hacking

With the advent of connected cars, electric cars and autonomous vehicles, all of which are technologically advanced and have highly complex electronic control units, there is greater risk that hackers can take control of vehicles and get access to the personal information of consumers. The ECUs are essentially small computers that can communicate with each other through a network to carry out the car’s functions. The hacker needs to get access to only one ECU to take control of a vehicle’s system of ECUs.

The technological and intelligence features that are now available in new vehicle models depend a lot on internet connectivity and on computer technology. If a hacker can get access into just one of these features, he will be able to take over the entire vehicle and even gain access to all the smart devices and information of the motorist.

Automotive manufacturers and cyber security startups are concerned that potential hacks could harm passengers of the affected cars. Commenting on this, David Barzilai, chairman and co-founder of Karamba Security said that such hacking attacks could be carried out on a major scale. Areas

Some of the areas that are particularly vulnerable to the risk of hacking are bluetooth modules, built-in internet modems, USB device ports, Wi-Fi internet routers, HD Radio, Onboard diagnostics and near-field communication devices

Motorists need to be vigilant about their financial information like credit card details which might be stored through apps for online shopping. Hackers could also access personal playlists, birthdate and address information, frequently visited locations and driving habits.