Technology means cars are more connected than ever, but it also means the vehicles are more exposed to glaring vulnerabilities.
9 Investigates reporter Christopher Heath discovered crooks are hacking into car remote control keys and breaking into vehicles.
Surveillance video captured crooks breaking into a car using the victim’s car remote.
Computer expert Samy Kamkar explained how thieves are intercepting and copying codes from car remotes.
“Every time you hit that unlock button, you're sending a different password, so if you can get one of those passwords where the car did not hear it, you can reuse it to unlock that vehicle,” Samy Kamkar said.
The auto insurance industry said this is a major vulnerability.
"As we increase connectivity, the risk of vulnerability goes up,” said Remzi Seker with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Seker specializes in cyber security at Embry-Riddle.
He says, like most things, the problems could be fixed, if drivers are willing to pay for it.
Automakers are aware of the problems, but have been slow to react.
While new vehicles might get an upgrade, don't expect a retrofit for the remote control key in your pocket.
Carmakers are looking at installing a new chip that would make it harder for crooks to steal the "unlock” code.
Meanwhile, authorities said the best bet is to park in a locked garage if you can and to never leave anything valuable in your car.
Contact Christopher Heath for more on this story.
Cox Media Group
