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Drive a Toyota, Kia, Mercedes or BMW? Your personal info may have been exposed
Hackers are always looking for new ways to get their hands on your data. It even trumps your credit or debit card details. Unfortunately, security breaches happen on a more grand scale than most would like to know, such as the IRS leak from late last year.
Criminals made off with the details of over 120,000 taxpayers. But that was only a tenth of a massive breach a month later, as a Facebook tracker exposed the details of over 3 million people.
It’s easy to assume that data breaches happen to high-value targets, but that isn’t always the case. Read on to see how your details might be at risk by simply driving one of these cars.
Here’s the backstory
Technology advances at an incredible pace, and it’s more common now than ever to find internet-connected components in household appliances. For example, a web-connected fridge tells you when you’re out of milk. A more advanced model even places an online order for you before that happens.
Ingenious features have also made their way into many vehicles. The center console of technologically-advanced cars can show you almost every aspect of your vehicle, including your details, where you bought the car, when the next service is due and access to additional subscription-based functions.
But with any connected gadget, there is a risk of data compromise, which is precisely what security researchers recently found.
During an investigation, researchers found several API security vulnerabilities in popular models from Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes, Kia, BMW and many more. Nearly 20 manufacturers were impacted.
How hackers exploit API flaws
Researchers found that hackers could access the vehicle’s telematic systems to honk the horn, flash the lights, or remotely track the car.
It gets worse. According to team leader Sam Curry, with the correct access, hackers can “fully lock and unlock the car, start and stop the engine, and lock users out of remotely managing their vehicle while changing ownership details.”
The level of access depends on the vehicle, but the most severe is in BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Using the exploit in these cars, hackers can access the company-wide internal chat tool, hundreds of mission-critical internal applications, and the internal dealer portals where they can query any VIN.
Over 160K vehicles from Volkswagen and Mercedes have been recalled
When a manufacturer releases a product to the public, they’re responsible for any defects or overlooked issues. These problems can range from a minor inconvenience to a deadly flaw and could affect thousands or even millions of units.
In the market for a car? The chip shortage is already railroading 2022 models
The pandemic has lasting effects that we will feel for years. The chip shortage is one such issue, causing a scarcity in tech gadgets and other components, many of which are parts of larger machines.
The automotive industry has been hit particularly hard. While it’s easier to get a new car now than last year, used cars are holding their value and will continue to do so for some time. Tap or click here to check out which vehicles are retaining the most value.
1.3 million cars recalled: Use this site to check your VIN
The largest auto recall in history keeps getting bigger. An ongoing issue with Takata airbags las led to tens of millions of vehicles being recalled along with several deaths.
A couple of months ago, nearly 6 million more trucks and SUVs were added to the already massive list of recalled vehicles. Tap or click here to find out what you need to do if yours is on the list.
Mercedes' futuristic new car doesn't have a steering wheel - see it in action
When you think of new tech, items you use all the time probably come to mind. After all, it’s more common to hear details about the newest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy than it is to hear about a new, futuristic car that’s being unveiled.
CES 2020: Smart transportation hits the road
With CES now well underway, there’s been no shortage of stories about the technological wonders inside. From robots to smart toilets, you don’t have to look far to find a memorable or unique gadget on display.
And true to its reputation, CES hasn’t skimped on the weirdness this year. Items like home security drones, virtual people and toilet paper robots are just some of the highlights you can find on the showroom floor. Tap or click here to see our CES robot roundup.