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Car hacking presents growing threat

By / 10 years ago / Latest News / No Comments

The problem of car hacking, which has frequently been in the news of late, is becoming more widespread as thieves exploit keyless ignition systems, using a handheld electronic device to circumvent a car’s security system, allowing them to drive it away.

Hackers find the car’s access codes to programme a blank key fob, allowing them to take over the computer systems and control the vehicle. Some criminals use “jammers” which stops the car from locking when the driver presses the remote key.

Earlier this month, a list of the 20 most “hackable” cars in the US was released by two car hackers who showed last year they could hijack the steering and brakes of a Ford Escape and a Toyota Prius just using laptops connected to the cars.

In response to the problem, Andy Barrs, police liaison officer for TRACKER, said: ‘Car hacking is a growing issue for motorists, especially as the devices that override the ignition system are so freely available on the internet and only cost around £20. Today’s sophisticated security systems mean thieves have to be smarter than ever and the latest trends show that criminal gangs have found a way to crack keyless cars. A tracking unit can significantly increase the chances of a stolen car being returned to its rightful owner.’

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.