Modern cars are no longer just machines they’re rolling computers. And like anything connected, they come with risks.
1. Yes, Your Car Can Be Hacked
From engine systems to driver assistance software controls much of your vehicle. In theory, this means that your car can be hacked just like a smartphone or laptop. The good news is Carmakers invest heavily in cybersecurity, so real-world attacks are still relatively rare.
2. Hackers Don’t Need to Touch Your Car
Hackers can gain access through “digital doors”
- Mobile apps
- Bluetooth connections
- Wi-Fi systems
- Keyless entry
Hackers look for weak points in software or cloud systems that connect to your car.
3. The Real Risk Is Remote Access
If a system is compromised, attackers may be able to:
- Unlock doors
- Start or stop the engine
- Track your location
- Access personal data
4. The Kia Case
In 2024, researchers showed how vulnerable connected systems can be. Using just a number plate, they could:
- Locate vehicles in real time
- Unlock doors
- Start engines remotely
5. Hollywood-Style Takeovers Are Rare
Dramatic scenes where hackers take control of steering or brakes while technically possible in controlled tests are highly complex and haven’t been seen in everyday criminal activity.
6. Your Data Is the Bigger Story
For most drivers, the real concern isn’t someone “driving” your car remotely it’s your data.
Connected cars can collect a lot of information about you the driver including
- Location history
- Driving habits
- Contacts and call logs
- Saved addresses like “Home” and “Work”
Over time, this builds a detailed picture of your life.
7. Multiple Parties May Access Your Data
Your car’s data doesn’t just stay in the vehicle. It can be shared across:
- Manufacturer systems
- Dealerships and service centres
- App providers and tech partners
- Insurers and, in some cases, authorities
It’s a whole ecosystemnot just you and your car.
8. You Can Take Back Some Control
Start with the basics:
- Perform a factory reset before selling your car
- Remove saved locations and contacts
- Unlink apps and online accounts
- Turn off non-essential data sharing in settings
Think of it as a digital “spring clean” for your vehicle.
You can listen back here to Geraldine Herbert discuss Car Hacking with Shane Coleman on Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder
