Rising Cyber Attacks and Hacking Risks in Smart Cars

Modern mid-sized family SUVs have effectively become computers on wheels. According to a report by Sandesh, such cars utilize 50 to 100 Electronic Control Units (ECUs), kilometers of CAN wiring, and millions of lines of software code. Through internet-connected modems, cars remain linked to company servers, enabling features like starting the engine, controlling the AC, or locking and unlocking doors via smartphone apps. However, these smart features also increase the risk of hacking.

Hackers can target sensitive APIs in connected systems of companies like Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, and Suzuki to gain control over a car's location or door locks. Furthermore, hackers can send false signals by tampering with the CAN wiring through headlight or bumper sensors, which affects the car's immobilizer. Thieves intercept smart key signals from inside homes to unlock cars via 'relay attacks'. There is also the risk of programming new keys by attaching specialized devices to the OBD-II port located under the dashboard. However, due to separate firewalls and security systems in modern cars, remotely controlling the steering or brakes of a moving vehicle remains extremely difficult.