Here’s a Novel IoT Hack That Can Put Your Car at Risk
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Here’s a Novel IoT Hack That Can Put Your Car at Risk

IoT or the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we live, work, and travel. It has made our lives easier, more convenient, and more efficient. However, with every technological advancement, there comes a risk of security breaches and hacking.

Recently, researchers from the University of Birmingham and KU Leuven in Belgium discovered a novel IoT hack that can put your car at risk.

In this blog, we will discuss this hack and what you can do to protect your car from it.

What Is the IoT Hack?

The researchers discovered that many modern cars are equipped with a keyless entry system that allows the driver to open and start the car without using a physical key. This system works by communicating with the car’s computer through a wireless signal.

The researchers found that this wireless signal is vulnerable to hacking. They were able to use a small device to intercept the wireless signal and copy the code that the car’s computer uses to authenticate the keyless entry system. Once they had this code, they were able to create a clone keyless entry system that could be used to unlock and start the car.

This hack is particularly dangerous because it can be done without physically accessing the car or even being close to it. Hackers can be anywhere within range of the wireless signal, which means they can easily steal a car from a parking lot or a driveway.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Car?

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to protect your car from this type of IoT hack:

Use a Physical Key

One of the simplest ways to protect your car from this hack is to use a physical key instead of a keyless entry system. While this may be less convenient, it is much more secure.

Use a Steering Wheel Lock

Another way to protect your car is to use a steering wheel lock. This will make it more difficult for hackers to steal your car even if they can unlock it.

Keep Your Keyless Entry System in a Faraday Bag

A Faraday bag is a special bag that blocks electromagnetic signals. By keeping your keyless entry system in a Faraday bag when you are not using it, you can prevent hackers from intercepting the wireless signal.

Update Your Car’s Software

Many car manufacturers have released software updates that address this vulnerability. Make sure you check with your car manufacturer to see if there are any updates available for your car.

Disable the Keyless Entry System

If you don’t use the keyless entry system, it may be best to disable it altogether. This will eliminate the risk of hackers using this method to steal your car.

Conclusion

The IoT hack discovered by researchers is a reminder that we need to be vigilant about the security of our devices. While the keyless entry system may be convenient, it is important to weigh the convenience against the security risks. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can help protect your car from this type of IoT hack.

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