Your car’s computer systems connect to the internet, smartphones, and wireless networks constantly. These connections make driving more convenient but create security risks that most owners overlook. Hackers can access vehicle systems, steal personal data, or even disable your car remotely.
This guide explains the hidden threats of connected cars and provides actionable security measures. You’ll learn which vulnerabilities matter most, how to protect your car’s digital systems, and what to do if someone compromises your vehicle.
Table of Contents
The Hidden Threats of Connected Cars
Modern vehicles contain 100-150 electronic control units managing everything from brakes to entertainment. These components communicate through the CAN bus network, which was designed without security protocols. When your car connects wirelessly, these internal systems become accessible to attackers.
How Hackers Access Your Vehicle
The infotainment system serves as the primary entry point for most attacks. It connects to smartphones, receives updates, and accesses online services. Security researchers demonstrated in 2015 how vulnerabilities in a Jeep Cherokee’s entertainment system allowed them to remotely disable brakes and transmission, prompting a recall of 1.4 million vehicles.
Keyless entry systems present another major vulnerability. Thieves use signal amplification devices costing under £100 to capture radio frequency signals from key fobs. This “relay attack” takes seconds and requires no technical skill. Insurance claims for keyless car theft increased by 90% between 2016 and 2019 in the UK.
Telematics systems transmit data constantly, even when you’re not using specific features. These connections work both ways, meaning commands could be sent to your vehicle remotely. The system’s persistent connection creates ongoing security concerns that many drivers don’t consider.
What Criminals Target in Connected Vehicles
Financial gain drives most automotive cybercrime. Your connected car contains GPS locations, saved addresses, contact lists, payment details, and biometric data from driver monitoring systems. This information sells for significant sums on criminal marketplaces.
Organised crime groups steal high-value cars using sophisticated digital methods. They extract your car’s VIN, immobiliser codes, and encryption keys remotely, programme blank key fobs, and drive away without breaking windows. These stolen vehicles often ship abroad within hours.
Corporate espionage targets vehicles driven by executives, politicians, and researchers. Data extracted from these cars reveals travel patterns, meeting locations, and conversations recorded by voice assistants. A 2023 National Cyber Security Centre report warned that connected vehicles pose espionage risks for government officials.
Real Costs of Vehicle Security Breaches
Financial losses extend well beyond the vehicle’s value. Victims of car theft face insurance premiums increasing by £300-500 annually for three to five years. If your policy doesn’t cover keyless theft specifically, you might pay thousands out of pocket. Some insurers refuse coverage for high-risk models without additional security measures.
Data breaches carry separate costs. Identity theft from compromised vehicle systems takes years to resolve. Criminals access your home address, garage door codes, and regular routes. One London case saw burglars use stolen vehicle GPS data to identify when a family was away, resulting in losses exceeding £100,000.
Manufacturers face massive expenses when vulnerabilities are discovered. Software recalls cost millions in engineering resources and dealer time. These costs filter down through higher vehicle prices and subscription fees for security updates. Some brands now charge annual fees for over-the-air updates that include security patches.
Securing Digital Access to Your Connected Car
Preventing unauthorised access requires addressing both physical and digital security. Your vehicle’s multiple access methods each need specific protections that work together.
Protecting Key Fob Signals
Store key fobs in signal-blocking pouches or metal containers at home. Faraday bags cost £10-20 and prevent signal amplification attacks. Test your chosen method by attempting to unlock your car while the fob is stored—if it works, the shielding isn’t adequate.
Keep key fobs away from exterior walls and doors. Thieves position signal amplifiers against house walls near where keys typically hang. Moving fobs to an interior room or upper floor increases the distance attackers must bridge. A few metres can make relay attacks impractical.
Replace key fob batteries annually rather than waiting for weak signals. When batteries drain, you press buttons multiple times, broadcasting security codes that sophisticated equipment captures and replays. Fresh batteries mean one press at close range, minimising exposure.
Configuring Wireless Connections
Disable unnecessary wireless connections when not using them. Your car doesn’t need WiFi enabled during your commute. Many vehicles let you toggle Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile data independently. Keeping only essential connections active reduces attack opportunities.
Change default PINs for Bluetooth pairing, WiFi hotspots, and administrative functions. Default codes appear in owner’s manuals and online forums. Your four-digit Bluetooth PIN shouldn’t be 0000 or 1234. Create unique codes for different systems so that compromising one doesn’t grant full access.
Delete paired devices you no longer use. Old smartphones, passenger devices, and previous owners’ connections remain in your car’s memory. Each represents a potential vulnerability. Perform a complete infotainment system reset if you’ve purchased a used vehicle. Previous owners might retain remote access through accounts you don’t know exist.
Managing Mobile App Security
Enable two-factor authentication for all vehicle-related apps. Manufacturers increasingly offer this option for remote start, location tracking, and vehicle status features. Even if someone obtains your password, they can’t access your car without the second verification step. Use authenticator apps rather than SMS codes—SIM swapping attacks intercept text messages.
Use a dedicated email address for vehicle-related accounts. This limits exposure if your primary email is compromised. A separate email also helps organise vehicle communications, making it easier to spot suspicious messages claiming to be from the manufacturer. Choose a strong, unique password for this email account.
Regularly audit devices logged into your vehicle accounts. Most manufacturer apps show active sessions and recently used devices. If you see unfamiliar entries, change your password immediately and contact support. Someone might have gained access through a data breach at another service where you used the same credentials.
Installing Physical Security Barriers
Install an independent tracking device separate from the manufacturer’s system. Aftermarket trackers cost £150-400 plus subscriptions, but function even if factory systems are disabled. Thieves deactivate built-in tracking within minutes. Hidden independent trackers provide backup location data for police recovery.
Consider a ghost immobiliser for high-value vehicles. These aftermarket devices require a specific button sequence before the car starts. Unlike factory immobilisers, thieves can’t defeat them by cloning key fobs or hacking OBD ports. Installation costs £400-600 through certified fitters. Some insurers offer premium reductions for vehicles with Thatcham-approved ghost immobilisers.
Use a garage when available and install a lock on the door linking your garage to your house. Many home break-ins start with access through garage doors. If thieves enter your garage, they gain time to work on your vehicle without observation. Disconnect garage door openers when away for extended periods to prevent remote activation.
Data Protection Methods for Connected Vehicles
Connected vehicles collect extensive information about your life. Managing this data flow requires active steps beyond accepting default settings that prioritise convenience over privacy.
Controlling Information Collection
Read your vehicle’s privacy policy before connecting personal devices. These documents explain what manufacturers collect, how they use it, and who receives it. Manufacturers collect location history, driving patterns, voice recordings, contacts, calendar entries, and biometric data from cameras monitoring driver attention.
Opt out of data-sharing programmes when possible. Many manufacturers offer ways to limit collection, though these options hide in settings menus or require contacting customer service. Some features stop working if you disable data sharing, forcing you to choose between privacy and functionality. Document which features you’re willing to sacrifice.
Clear your vehicle’s memory before selling or trading it. Infotainment systems store years of data, including garage door codes, saved locations, and synced smartphone content. Factory reset procedures vary by manufacturer—owner’s manuals provide instructions. Some dealers offer this service, though verify they’ve completed a thorough wipe rather than just deleting surface data.
Securing Connected Features
Create guest accounts for passengers using your entertainment system. Many modern cars support multiple user profiles with separate settings and permissions. Passengers don’t need access to your navigation history, contacts, or payment methods to play music or adjust climate controls. Guest profiles limit what others see about your usage.
Review location sharing settings for connected services. Navigation systems sending your location to manufacturers in real-time create detailed movement histories. While this data enables traffic updates and emergency services, it also builds profiles of your routines. Some systems let you use navigation without sharing real-time location, downloading maps for offline use.
Understand vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication implications. Newer cars broadcast information to nearby vehicles to prevent collisions and improve traffic flow. This technology saves lives but also broadcasts a unique identifier that could theoretically be tracked. Current V2V systems use privacy protections like frequently changing identifiers, but the technology continues evolving.
Managing Third-Party Access
Carefully consider insurance telematics programmes before joining. Insurers offer discounts for monitoring devices or apps tracking driving behaviour. These systems access speed, braking patterns, cornering forces, and time of day usage. Read terms carefully—some programmes share data with parent companies that sell information to marketing firms. Premium savings might not justify the privacy trade-off.
Verify the security practices of third-party repair shops before granting vehicle access. Independent mechanics increasingly connect to vehicle computer systems for diagnostics and repairs. Ask what data they collect, how they store it, and whether they share it with parts suppliers or manufacturers. Reputable shops have clear data handling policies.
Research connected service providers before linking accounts. Many vehicles integrate with smart home systems, calendar apps, and payment platforms. Each integration creates another potential vulnerability. Choose providers with strong security reputations and clear privacy policies. Enable only integrations you’ll actually use regularly.
System Maintenance for Connected Car Security
The vehicle’s safety requires continuous attention as new threats emerge and manufacturers release updates. Regular maintenance prevents vulnerabilities from accumulating over time.
Keeping Software Current
Install manufacturer updates as soon as they’re available. Automotive software updates increasingly include security patches addressing newly discovered vulnerabilities. Delaying updates leaves your vehicle exposed to threats the manufacturer has already solved. Most modern vehicles alert you when updates are available, though you may need to approve installation during a specific time window.
Check for updates manually if your vehicle doesn’t receive automatic notifications. Visit the manufacturer’s website or contact your dealer to verify you’re running current software versions. Older vehicles with connected features might require dealer visits for updates rather than over-the-air installation. Schedule annual appointments specifically for software updates, even if no mechanical service is needed.
Apply updates to connected services and apps separately from vehicle software. Your smartphone app, account portal, and any associated services receive their own updates independent of the car itself. Enable automatic updates for mobile apps related to your vehicle. Computer security best practices apply—outdated apps contain known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
Monitoring for Suspicious Activity
Review your vehicle’s connected services account regularly for unfamiliar activity. Check login history, recent commands sent to your vehicle, and devices with access to your account. Most manufacturer portals show when someone unlocked doors remotely, started the engine, or checked your location. Unfamiliar entries suggest someone has gained access.
Watch for unexpected behaviour from your vehicle’s systems. Warning lights illuminating without reason, entertainment systems turning on independently, or climate controls adjusting themselves might indicate technical faults or security compromises. Strange behaviour warrants investigation rather than dismissal as glitches. Document incidents with photos and timestamps.
Monitor credit reports and bank statements for signs of identity theft. Vehicle data breaches might not immediately target your car, but instead sell your personal information for broader fraud schemes. Unusual credit card charges, applications for credit you didn’t make, or communications from companies you’ve never contacted suggest your information has been compromised.
Establishing Security Routines
Perform weekly checks of your vehicle’s physical security features. Verify that doors lock properly, the bonnet release functions correctly, and the boot closes securely. Physical security remains your first line of defence. Monthly, inspect for signs of tampering around door locks, the OBD port, and panels providing access to wiring. Fresh scratches or disturbed fasteners warrant investigation.
Schedule quarterly reviews of all device pairings and account access. Delete old smartphone connections, revoke access for apps you no longer use, and update passwords. This routine maintenance prevents the accumulation of forgotten access points. Treat your vehicle’s digital security like your home network—regular audits prevent problems from developing.
Back up important data stored in your vehicle independently. Save favourite destinations from your navigation system, dashboard camera footage you want to preserve, and any customised settings. If you need to perform a security reset, you’ll lose this information. Having backups allows you to restore your preferred configuration without starting from scratch.
Working with Professionals
Establish a relationship with a dealer or mechanic experienced in connected vehicle systems. Not all repair shops have the tools and training to diagnose security issues. Ask specifically about their capabilities with vehicle cybersecurity before an emergency occurs. Some manufacturers require authorised dealers to handle certain diagnostic procedures.
Consult with your insurance provider about coverage for cyber-related incidents. Standard policies might not cover theft using digital methods or data breaches involving your vehicle. Some insurers now offer cyber endorsements for vehicle policies. Understand what’s covered before you need to file a claim.
Join owner communities for your vehicle’s make and model. Online forums and social media groups share information about security vulnerabilities affecting specific vehicles. Other owners often discover issues before manufacturers acknowledge them publicly. These communities also share practical advice for protection measures that actually work with your particular vehicle.
Threat Response for Compromised Connected Cars
Quick action when you suspect compromise can limit damage and prevent escalation. Knowing what to look for and how to respond makes the difference between minor inconvenience and major loss.
Identifying a Security Breach
Recognise warning signs that your vehicle has been compromised. An unexpected drain on your 12-volt battery suggests electronics are active when they shouldn’t be. Interference with remote key functions might indicate someone is capturing signals. Your vehicle unlocking or starting without you pressing any buttons clearly signals a problem.
Check for physical evidence of tampering around the OBD port under your dashboard near the steering column. Look for scratches, broken clips, or missing port covers. Some criminals install devices in the OBD port that provide remote access. Aftermarket OBD port locks prevent this type of attack.
Monitor your vehicle-related email and text messages for unexpected communications. Password reset requests you didn’t initiate, confirmation of commands you didn’t send, or alerts about new devices accessing your account all indicate someone has targeted your credentials. These messages often precede physical theft by days or weeks as criminals test their access.
Immediate Actions After Detection
Disconnect your vehicle from networks immediately. Turn off Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile data connections through your settings menu. Remove the connection fuse if you can’t disable connectivity through software controls—your owner’s manual shows fuse locations. This step prevents ongoing remote access while you investigate.
Change passwords for all vehicle-related accounts from a secure device. Don’t use a phone that’s been paired with your vehicle to change passwords, as it might be compromised. Use a computer or a different phone to access manufacturer accounts, connected services, and any apps that control vehicle features. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already done so.
Document everything about the incident. Take photos of your vehicle, settings screens showing unusual activity, and any physical evidence of tampering. Screenshot your account’s login history and command history. Write down dates, times, and specific symptoms you noticed. This documentation supports insurance claims and police reports.
Working with Authorities
Report the incident to local police, even if no theft occurred. Cybersecurity compromises involving vehicles fall into a grey area of law enforcement, but filing a report creates an official record. If criminals later steal your car or commit identity fraud using data from your vehicle, the earlier report establishes a timeline. Request a crime reference number for insurance purposes.
Contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. They collect reports about vehicle-related digital crimes and share information with other victims. Your report helps authorities identify patterns and coordinate investigations across jurisdictions. Action Fraud can also provide guidance on protecting yourself from further harm.
Notify your insurance company about the security breach, even if you’re not filing a claim yet. Some policies have time limits for reporting suspicious activity. If your vehicle is later stolen, the insurer will want to know about prior security incidents. Ask specifically whether the breach affects your coverage or if you need to take specific actions to maintain protection.
Long-Term Recovery Steps
Perform a complete factory reset of all vehicle systems after a security incident. This wipes compromised credentials and removes any malicious software that might have been installed. You’ll lose saved settings, paired devices, and customisation, but starting fresh provides the best assurance of security. Follow manufacturer procedures precisely to avoid creating new problems.
Have a professional security inspection conducted at an authorised dealer. Technicians can check for hardware modifications, verify software integrity, and confirm that all security features function properly. This inspection might reveal tampering you couldn’t detect yourself. Request written documentation of their findings for your records.
Consider replacing key fobs if you suspect they’ve been cloned. While expensive—often £200-500 per fob, depending on the vehicle—new fobs with fresh encryption keys prevent thieves from using previously captured codes. The dealer can also reprogram your vehicle to reject old fobs, though this doesn’t help if criminals already have physical copies.
Conclusion
The hidden threats facing connected cars are real, but manageable with proper security measures. Store key fobs in signal-blocking pouches, change default passwords, install software updates promptly, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity. Your vehicle’s security depends on the actions you take, not just the technology manufacturers provide. Start with basic protections today and build comprehensive security practices over time.