in recent times, a group of German vehicle security researchers named ADAC in one of their research conducted noticed that varieties of new cars are vulnerable to hackers, especially the keyless ones.
ADAC uses a radio-based amplification system that uses cheap chips, batteries, a radio transmitter, and an antenna to easily hack the below-listed cars. The attack is carried out by producing a pair of radio devices using cheap chips, batteries, a radio transmitter, and an antenna which will trigger a signal from the vehicle that seeks a radio response from the key. When executed, the method will then allows hackers to penetrate the car and drive away without needing the remote key.
Below is a list of cars vulnerable to hackers by ADAC:
- Audi A3
- Audi A4
- Audi A6
- BMW 730d
- Citroen DS4 CrossBack
- Ford Galaxy
- Ford Eco-Sport
- Honda HR-V
- Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi
- KIA Optima
- Lexus RX 450h
- Mazda CX-5
- MINI Clubman
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Nissan Qashqai
- Nissan Leaf
- Opel Ampera
- Range Rover Evoque
- Renault Traffic
- Ssangyong Tivoli XDi
- Subaru Levorg
- Toyota RAV4
- Volkswagen Golf GTD
- Volkswagen Touran 5T
- BMW i3
SOLUTION:
According to Wired via NY times, the temporary solution is to keep the keys in the freezer which will block the transmission of unwanted radio signals, but ADAC believes that the only solution is for the car manufacturers to fix the problem themselves.
I can bet that most Nigerians with any of the cars mentioned above won’t be bothered given that we don’t have crazy hackers, but never be too sure.
Source – ADAC H/T – Wired