Kane In Your Corner: What you need to know about car hacking

As car computers get more and more sophisticated, it is possible to hack them.

Walt Kane

Feb 16, 2023, 10:44 AM

Updated 662 days ago

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We've all heard about hackers breaking into computer networks, and even some smart home devices, but now, they're also able to hack their way into some cars.
News 12's Walt Kane is In Your Corner with what you need to know about car hacking.
As car computers get more and more sophisticated, it is possible to hack them. In fact, some people have posted video of it on social media.
Over the summer, hackers found that by exploiting a flawed SiriusXM Radio software, they could unlock cars - or even remote start them. All they needed was the VIN and a device that lets them capture a security code from a nearby key fob.
"That's why I always give people advice: If you hang your keys up where your little key fob is, don't hang it near your exterior door. Hide it inside a cabinet or in the interior of the house, because they need to be within about a foot or so with their little black box for it to pick up the antenna and extend the range of the RFID to fool the car that the key is right next door," says Scott Schober.
SiriusXM has now reportedly corrected the flaw, but hackers have a way of staying one step ahead, so this may not be the last time we see something like this.
What can you do about this? Not a lot, experts say.
If there's a silver lining, it's that this kind of hacking isn't easy or common. Car manufacturers also say this flaw let hackers remote start cars, but not drive off with them.
The bottom line -- it's never been a good idea to leave expensive items unattended in your car – and that's even more true today.
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