8 ways to protect your smart vehicle from cyberattacks

Remote car keys. Assisted driving. Geopositioning and navigation systems. Bluetooth connection. So many high-tech gadgets have been added to cars over time in order to make our lives easier. We’ve certainly come a long way since the auto industry introduced the Ford Model T in 1908.

But did you know that a smart car could become the target of a cyberattack?

Let’s see how we can find a compromise between protection and the technologies we can't do without.

Cyberattacks... for real? 

Unfortunately, this is not an urban legend. Smart cars could be hacked.  

Why? Because they generate approximately 25 GB of data per hour.  

Let’s take a closer look at some of the situations facing these state-of-the-art cars. 

Remote attack 

In this type of situation, hackers infiltrate your car’s computer system from a distance. How do they do it? Through your mobile devices and the internet.  

Once hacked, they can manipulate several systems in your vehicle, like the brakes or steering wheel.  

Data theft 

Data includes sensitive information about you. Your name, email address, password and even your driving skills.  

Once hackers have this info, the consequences begin to pile up, starting with identity theft.  

Cloning of your electronic key

This is the most common scenario and it allows thieves to steal your vehicle. Your key is in constant communication with the computer in your car. Yet another breach!

Hacking the computer system

Which system? The one where information is exchanged between the car’s engine and its interior.  For example, as soon as you start reversing, your camera allows you to see behind the car.  

If the car is hacked, the infiltrators could control this type of system. 

So what can you do to protect yourself? 

Anything that’s connected, including your smart car, is at risk of being hacked. Doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel and sell your car!  

Here are a few solutions that will make it a lot more difficult for those pesky infiltrators.  

1. The bare minimum 

When it’s time to share your personal information with your smart car, don’t take the “all-in” approach. Limit the information you share, like your name, address, date of birth, etc., with your vehicle.  

You can also deactivate Bluetooth in your car, which acts as a gateway for malware and other hacker shenanigans

2. Stay on top of updates 

Car manufacturers regularly update their software. Their goal is to address any security breaches. Install the latest version in your car. 

Make sure the most recent versions are also installed on your cell phone and all its apps.  

Are you the type who might forget to check for updates? Have the updates performed automatically. This way, as soon as a new update is available, it will instantly be installed for you. 

Want extra protection for your cell phone, the data it contains and your apps? You can find it for both Google and Apple.  

For Google, you need the Google Play Protect app. This monitors all the apps installed on your phone to make sure they’re safe.  

It’s not quite as straightforward with Apple. Apps are closely monitored in the App Store. For apps downloaded from other sites, Apple first makes sure they’re safe before they can be used in their ecosystem.  

3. Use stronger passwords 

It’s unanimous among security experts: passwords need to be stronger and more complex.  

When setting a password for your car’s computer system, don’t go with “123456” or “password.” Use a mix of letters (upper case and lower case), numbers and special characters that make no rational sense.  

4. Private connection 

To protect your personal information, connect to a private Wi-Fi network rather than a public one in your smart car.  

For an extra layer of security, use a virtual private network, aka a VPN, to encrypt your data.  

5. Safe electronic key

The cloning of electronic keys is making headlines. To prevent it from happening to you, get a metallic box or sleeve that blocks external electric fields. 

6. Exercise caution when using a USB key or port

Before you use a USB key or port, make sure the content is secure. 

7. Your car dealer is an ally you can trust

Is the technology in your smart car a bit beyond your capabilities? Go talk to someone at your new or used car dealership. They likely have all the answers you need.

8. What if you rent a smart car?   

Caution becomes the name of the game since the car passes from one driver to the next. If possible, don’t connect your cell phone to a rented vehicle. If you need a GPS, use the one that’s in the car.