Can someone hack my car while I’m driving
Read more about “Can someone hack my car while I’m driving” and the most important cybersecurity news to stay up to date with
Can Your Car Be Hacked While You’re Driving?
In an era where vehicles are increasingly becoming rolling computers, the risk of cyber threats targeting automobiles is no longer just a theoretical concern—it is a reality. As automakers integrate advanced digital systems, wireless communication, and software-driven functionalities into modern vehicles, they inadvertently expose them to cyber vulnerabilities. While car hacking remains relatively rare, research and real-world incidents have demonstrated that remote attackers can exploit weaknesses in automotive systems to manipulate vehicles in real-time, even while they are being driven.
Understanding Vehicle Cybersecurity Threats
Modern automobiles rely on a complex network of interconnected electronic control units (ECUs) that communicate through a Controller Area Network (CAN bus). These ECUs govern everything from braking and acceleration to steering and infotainment systems. If an attacker gains unauthorized access to one or more ECUs, they can potentially compromise critical vehicle functions, posing serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.
One of the primary attack vectors is through wireless interfaces. Many vehicles are equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and cellular connections, all of which can be exploited if not properly secured. Telematics systems, which allow manufacturers to remotely update vehicle software or diagnose issues, also introduce entry points for cyberattacks. Researchers have demonstrated that by targeting vulnerabilities in these communication channels, attackers can inject malicious commands, override vehicle controls, and, in extreme cases, seize control of a moving car.
Remote Exploits Through Infotainment and Wireless Connectivity
One of the most well-documented examples of vehicle hacking involved researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, who remotely compromised a 2014 Jeep Cherokee while it was in motion. By exploiting a vulnerability in the Uconnect infotainment system, they were able to gain access to the vehicle’s CAN bus and manipulate critical functions such as acceleration, braking, and steering. This attack was executed over a cellular network, illustrating how a car can be compromised without physical access.
Infotainment systems serve as an entry point for attackers because they are often connected to both the internet and internal vehicle networks. Many automakers provide Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for infotainment and ECU firmware, but if these updates are not encrypted or properly authenticated, attackers can inject malicious software into a vehicle’s system. Compromised infotainment units can be used to pivot attacks toward other ECUs, ultimately allowing full control over the vehicle.
CAN Bus Intrusions and ECU Manipulation
Once an attacker gains access to the CAN bus, they can send arbitrary commands to manipulate the vehicle’s behavior. The CAN bus does not inherently authenticate messages, meaning any properly formatted command can be accepted as legitimate. This design flaw allows attackers to interfere with braking systems, disable airbags, or even shut down a car’s engine while it is in motion.
One way to breach the CAN bus is through diagnostic ports, such as the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) port, commonly used by mechanics for vehicle diagnostics. While direct physical access is required for such an attack, malware-laden devices or unauthorized remote access to telematics units can provide a workaround. In fleet vehicles, compromised telematics systems have been used to introduce malware capable of overriding safety protocols.
Key Fob and Relay Attacks
Another common attack vector involves exploiting keyless entry and ignition systems. Key fobs continuously emit signals that are detected by a vehicle’s proximity sensors, allowing seamless unlocking and starting. Attackers can use a technique known as a relay attack, where they amplify the key fob’s signal to trick the car into believing the fob is nearby. This allows the attacker to unlock and start the vehicle remotely, even if the key fob is far away, such as inside a home.
More advanced attacks involve cloning key fobs or exploiting weaknesses in cryptographic authentication mechanisms used in modern keyless systems. Some automakers have introduced ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to mitigate relay attacks, but many older models remain vulnerable.
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Exploits
As vehicles become more autonomous, the risk of cyberattacks targeting Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) increases. ADAS relies on sensors such as LiDAR, radar, and cameras to interpret road conditions, detect obstacles, and assist in driving functions such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. Cybersecurity researchers have demonstrated that these sensors can be fooled using GPS spoofing, signal jamming, or even adversarial machine learning attacks designed to trick image recognition systems.
For instance, a well-executed GPS spoofing attack can alter a vehicle’s perceived location, potentially leading to unintended rerouting or even navigation system failures. Similarly, attackers can project images or alter road signs to manipulate a car’s self-driving algorithms, causing it to make incorrect decisions. Since ADAS plays a crucial role in modern safety systems, these types of attacks pose a significant risk.
Mitigation Strategies and Best Practices
To mitigate the risk of automotive cyberattacks, automakers and drivers must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures. Regular software updates, encrypted communication channels, and robust authentication mechanisms are essential for securing modern vehicles. Some best practices include:
Ensuring all firmware and software updates come directly from the manufacturer and are installed promptly to patch vulnerabilities.
Disabling unused wireless features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, when they are not needed to reduce attack surfaces.
Using multi-factor authentication for remote access applications, such as vehicle tracking and control apps.
Keeping key fobs inside Faraday pouches or signal-blocking containers to prevent relay attacks.
Employing intrusion detection systems within the vehicle network to identify and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.
The automotive industry is gradually adopting security frameworks such as the ISO/SAE 21434 standard for cybersecurity in road vehicles, which provides guidelines for securing connected and autonomous cars. However, as vehicle technology evolves, so too will the sophistication of cyber threats. Ensuring that security remains a top priority in vehicle design and operation will be critical in the years to come.
While large-scale vehicle hacking incidents remain rare, the increasing digitization of automobiles presents growing cybersecurity challenges. Attackers targeting modern vehicles can exploit vulnerabilities in infotainment systems, wireless networks, keyless entry systems, and even ADAS technologies. As researchers continue to expose flaws in automotive cybersecurity, manufacturers must respond by implementing stronger protections against remote exploits. For vehicle owners, adopting best practices such as keeping software updated, limiting wireless exposure, and using secure storage for key fobs can help mitigate risks. In a world where cars are becoming more connected than ever, cybersecurity must be treated as a fundamental pillar of automotive safety.
Subscribe to WNE Security’s newsletter for the latest cybersecurity best practices, 0-days, and breaking news. Or learn more about “Can someone hack my car while I’m driving” by clicking the links below