High-Tech Car Security

Can high- tech cars still get stolen or broken into? This may come as a surprise, but these cars are at high risk of getting stolen, find out what you can do to protect your car.

To most people's surprise, expensive high-tech cars can be easily hacked into and stolen. There are around 200 tiny computers embedded in each of these cars that are connected to a single network to enable drivers to control their vehicles.

However, car thieves have no problem getting around these control units. According to official FBI reports, approximately 3 cars get stolen every 60 seconds. And it takes a car thief less than one minute to successfully take off with a car that does not belong to him. Car thieves know how to keep up with the latest advancements in the car manufacturing field no matter how complex these high-tech cars, a “professional” thief should have no problem figuring out how to break into it.

The more sophisticated car thieves are getting with their hacking methods, the more careful you, as a car owner, should be. Simply using a classic car alarm will not do it anymore, since we have gotten so used to hearing alarms go off by accident that we have given up looking into the matter.

A reliable tracking system, on the other hand, along with passive immobilizers are better options for high-tech car security needs.

Electronic Control Unit Hacking

Today's high-tech cars feature around 200 small computers in them. These are called electronic control units and each of them has the role of overseeing a subsystem. These units also connect to a network that is responsible for sending data throughout the car in order to manage everything that is going on while the car is being driven.

The problem with these tiny computers is that they are not usually made by the manufacturers of the cars. They are designed by other companies that refuse to reveal the details of the manufacturing process. Prior to the invention of high-tech cars, carmakers had no problem with this type of secrecy. Their only concern used to be ensuring that the “black box” was meeting all of their requirements. Their main areas of interest were assessing the pressure in the tires, determining how many people were present in the car and whether all passengers were wearing seatbelts.

Things have changed drastically during recent years, as today's computer systems are a lot more advanced and complex. Accordingly, security researchers in the car manufacturing field are having problems with this lack of transparency. Without knowing exactly how these electronic control units work, car security technicians are having a more difficult time ensuring high levels of safety.

This means hackers have an easier time getting inside a car's computer system. If in the past the only real security concern car owners used to have was regarding a stranger getting physical access to their car, things stand completed different today. Once a hacker is able to get access to the controller area network located deep within the substructure of the vehicle, they will have no problem getting full control over the vehicle. Access can be achieved physically or remotely, which raises even more concerns.

Most of today's high-tech cars are reporting problems with their wireless tire pressure sensors and anti-theft systems. Cyber-security needs to be taken one step further in an attempt to keep intruders and thieves away. Studying and further securing the simple black box is no longer an option. Remote hacking is a real, palpable problem for today's drivers who wish to own a powerful, smart vehicle.

The Reliability Of Breakdown Alerts

The connected car concept is one of the main culprits of the latest remote vehicle attacks with the help of the communication systems incorporated in today's cars. The American car market is familiar with the eCall systems that can instantly contact an emergency service whenever the driver has been involved in an accident

There are also the so-called bCall systems that can automatically call for help in case of a breakdown. Sometime in the near future, all cars are prone to be connected. Someone's attempt to steal a modern-day vehicle will most likely be automatically reported to the authorities, which should keep burglaries at bay.

However, the integrity of the advanced electronic systems and minicomputers that keep these cars on the road will also make them more vulnerable to smart hackers.

The need for professional, authorized and highly skilled locksmiths that can handle high-tech car lock systems is imperative. Keep in mind a small local locksmith service with a couple of employees will most likely not be able to cater to your maintenance needs the way a car dealer or an advanced lock technician can. Never leave your expensive car in the hands of the wrong people for the job – you'll end up regretting it sooner than later.

Black Boxes And Security Issues

ECUs can be tempered with rather easily, according to research and inspections in the field. This system is regarded as the black box of a car. The fact that the proprietary information for these systems is not made public by the third parties involved in the manufacturing process does not make things any easier. Rising security problems are even more difficult to deal with because of this lack of transparency.

Tesla and other similarly big players on the market have healthy standards in terms of safety. Their clear disclosure policies and the fact that they are constantly looking for help when handling software bugs are definitely excellent steps toward enhanced protection.

If you are looking for expert help with your classic, sport, RV, motorcycle or high-tech car, get in touch with Get Locksmith and let us send over the nearest licensed and experienced technician in your area.