How Dealers and Property Owners Can Avoid Auto Thefts to Car Hackers

ASF-Car-Hacks-8-26-15-300x225In the 1982 movie Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, Captain Kirk regains control of another starship from renegades by using a code that unlocked that ship’s functions so that it could be controlled remotely. That science fiction idea seemed hard to imagine back in the 80s.

In today’s world, however, that scenario has become a fact, at least as it relates to modern automobiles. With their cellular connectivity it has become fairly simple for new models to be hacked and taken over. That represents a dangerous scenario for not just that car’s driver, but for all of us on the roads.

Cars today are computers on wheels with dozens of chips running dozens of operations. To entice potential buyers, automakers have rushed to add connectivity features to cars, but they have not thought about internet security. The cellular connection that allows our cars to make calls and connect to the web is also how hackers can remotely control the vehicle.

That control is not limited to just the cellular phone system, either. Once inside the car’s control system, an attacker can jump from chip to chip and take over systems: locks, windows and windshield wipers. Shockingly, more vital systems can also be accessed: Brakes, transmission, and steering!

Imagine driving down the freeway and suddenly finding you have no control over your vehicle! Brakes and steering don’t work and the transmission can’t be shifted into neutral. This scenario seems unimaginable!

While all makes and models don’t suffer from this lack of security, a good number are susceptible to outside infiltration. Right now, Chrysler cars are the most vulnerable.

Attackers can gain access by knowing the car’s IP address.   They get in through the system’s Uconnect cellular connection and then gain access to more important functions of the car.

In late July, Chrysler recalled 1.4 million cars to repair this security flaw with a software patch. In the future, carmakers will need to think like software developers and include updated security protocols into their systems.

In the meantime, the simplest hack an attacker can make on a vehicle is unlocking the doors. Attackers could simply position themselves near any parking lot and open doors one car at a time. Once a car is open, attackers can access the ignition system and drive the vehicle away.

While automakers sort out their security concerns, property managers can keep their parking lots safe with the highly trained and professional security guards from American Security Force. By patrolling your lot, our officers can keep it secure and act as a deterrent against possible cyber attackers and thieves. Security guards can also help reduce your insurance premiums.

To learn how American Security Force can keep your property secure, call us today at 877-722-8585.