With some car owners being forced to pay a bitcoin ransom before they can start their vehicles, hackers are making off with hijacked cars. The internet-enabled smart car is the target of this latest round of ransomware, and it has put an urgency on the matter of cybersecurity in the automotive industry.
How Hackers Hijack Smart Cars
Pro Blockchain Media Live has reported that in the most recent spate of cyberattacks, hackers have been installing ransomware into vehicles with an internet connection. A virus caused one set of owners to be locked out of their car; access would not be restored without a bitcoin payment. It was the regular Wi-Fi updates to which the car was subjected that allowed the malware in.
In a way, the attacks make use of the very ‘smart’ features designed for convenience that modern cars are built with. Manufacturers may not have intended it, but by allowing remote services and internet connectivity for updates, they have given cybercriminals the means to assume control from anywhere in the world.
The Growing Risks of Connected Vehicles
The host of Pro Blockchain Media Live pointed out that key functions can be controlled remotely by a hacker, including the electronic steering rack on many newer models. That is a risk of connected ownership, as an attacker is not content with just locking or unlocking the car but could also compromise vital driving components.
It is not only cars that are at risk. Airbus aircraft have computer systems like ByWire which are theoretically open to hackers. There is no public account of a plane being successfully hacked, but the concern is justified; the more machines that are connected, the more opportunities there are for criminal activity.
Why Bitcoin Ransom Is Popular Among Hackers
Bitcoin as a ransom for a hijacked car is just one example of cryptocurrency’s role in today’s cybercrime. Hackers choose bitcoin for the anonymity it provides and because it can be moved across borders with little interference from authorities or banks.
How Car Owners Can Protect Themselves
As the report from Pro Blockchain Media Live makes clear, these criminals are always seeking new methods of extortion with cryptocurrencies, while devices of every sort, including household gadgets, come online. For those with an internet-connected car, it is important to be aware of what is at stake and take steps to secure the vehicle. Follow the manufacturer’s advice, use a secure Wi-Fi network, and keep security software up to date to avoid being ransomed. Good cybersecurity practices and staying informed are essential when your vehicle is so dependent on the digital realm.
Understanding the risks of digital threats like car hijacking highlights the importance of securing your crypto assets with trusted platforms. Protect your crypto assets.
Read also
Discussion
Comments from BuyCrypt Live. Sign in with Google or Apple — we create your BuyCrypt account on the way, the same one as in the app.
