For more than fifty years, scriptwriters have gratefully exploited the fear of computer technology to create exciting films. In 2001: A Space Odyssey from the 60s it was an evil AI and in Wargames from the 80s it was a hacker. But now that almost every new car is connected to the internet, the scenarios seem like they could come true. Because hackers could easily gain access to modern Kias in the US.
The American Sam Curry and his colleagues found a leak in Kia’s software. This allowed them to track, open and start modern Kias via their phone. All they needed was the license plate. They could even see through the cars’ cameras. And it’s not as if it’s a small car brand that doesn’t have everything in order: Kia is currently the best-selling car brand in the Netherlands. The good news right away: the vulnerability has already been resolved.
Via the website where you can log in as a customer, the hackers found a way to appoint themselves as a dealer. Based on this, the hackers built their own tool with which they could hack modern cars. This way they could see the location of the car and then start the car. A Kia spokesperson reports to Top Gear Netherlands that this leak only seems to concern American cars. Dutch Kia drivers do not have to worry.
Not just stealing, but also spying
Through the system they could track down, start and take away any new Kia. Or if they wanted to drive someone crazy, they could also honk their horn remotely. But perhaps the worst part is that the hackers gained access to the cars’ cameras. Especially now that more and more cars are getting cameras in the interior, you want to be sure that no one is watching.
The security hole has already been addressed
The hackers in question had no malicious motive. They first went to Kia with their findings. The car brand has addressed the weak spot in the system, making it impossible to do the same as the hackers. Only then was the hack published. At the bottom of the video you can see how easy it was to unlock and track a Kia.
Fortunately, this time they were so-called white hat hackersbut for the same money it was a bunch of crooks with a trade in Kia parts. They can make a lot of cars disappear in one night that way. And the fact that people can watch through the cameras in your car is certainly not a nice idea. Maybe just stick with your old car for a while?
Also read: This way you can steal a Hyundai with a ‘Game Boy’
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