In-Car WiFi Security: How to Not Get Hacked on the Highway

Imagine waking up one day and heading outside your house only to realize that your car is missing. There aren’t any signs of a robbery and you’re just puzzled as to how your car just vanished into thin air. It is very likely for that to happen if your car has an active internet connection inside your car and someone remotely hacks into it.

This is also possible as you are going on the highway since your car is just as vulnerable as it is outside your house. To the point that people anywhere in the world can hack into your car the moment they gain access to the internet connection in your house. This is why you need to make sure that not just your car but all the devices that you use are kept as secure as possible.

For instance, you can install an internet service at home that is known for its security features and reliability, such as Xfinity Internet. Similarly, if you have Xfinity you may also use Xfinity Hotspots set up all across the United States since these hotspots give you access to secure and encrypted internet service as you travel.

However, today we will be talking about some of the most effective ways that you can use to make sure that your car is secure on the highway and isn’t subjected to hacking or hijacking as you travel. So make sure that you read all the way to the end so that you can make your car as secure as possible!

Understand Which Parts of Your Car Can Get Hacked

Before you begin taking steps to make your car more secure, you need to see which parts of your car can get hacked in the first place. If your car has an infotainment system in it, then it is very likely that it would connect to the internet. We’re sorry to tell you that the infotainment system has a lot to do with your car potentially getting hacked.

The components of your car that can get hacked through the infotainment system include the radio, the digital display of the car, windshield wipers, wiper fluid, air conditioning and to everyone’s horror the transmission and the brakes as well. Access to the last two things just means that the hacker would have complete control over the movement of your car. They can even make your car completely undriveable!

Keep Your Car’s Software Up to Date

Just like any other device out there that runs on a software and needs updates to function smoothly, the same is the case with a car as well. To improve functionality and the security of your car, you need to make sure that your car’s software is up to date. This also goes for the infotainment system in your car since it is vulnerable to hacking as well.

Car manufacturers usually release updates and firmware updates for your car so that you could minimize your risks of hacking attempts. These software updates also include bug fixes and patches to make sure that your car functions perfectly. Make sure that you keep an eye out for updates and updates your car’s software as quickly as possible.

Don’t Jailbreak the Software in Your Car

If you have ever owned an iPhone in the past, then you would probably know and remember what jailbreaking was. Jailbreaking basically allows you to tweak the software in such a way that you remove all manufacturer restrictions placed on the software and you open windows to enable more enhanced features in the car.

Not only will this void the warranty of your car but it will also leave your car vulnerable to hacks and hijacking. Therefore, to make sure that your car is as safe from attacks and hacks as possible, make sure you leave the software as it is and just update it, don’t even consider jailbreaking your car’s software! This is bound to keep you safer on the highway too.

Keep Your Key Fob Secure

Did you know even something as small as your key fob can be hacked? Hackers out there have devices that can hack into your key fob if they are within proximity of your key fob. Your key fob is basically the gateway to accessing your car, so you need to make sure that it is as secure as possible.

For that matter, you could store your key fob in a pouch that would prevent hackers from hacking into it, such as a Faraday pouch. Otherwise, you can also wrap your key fob in aluminum foil so that you could block out any signals coming or going into the fob. Some key fobs even come with the option of turning off the wireless signal, so you can consider getting one of those as well while you are on the highway.

Conclusive Note

Keeping a car is a responsibility in more than one way, and it is also your responsibility to keep it safe as well. While software makes things a lot easier and convenient, it also has a lot of loopholes that can leave your car vulnerable to attacks and hacks. So remember to follow all necessary precautions and keep yourself and your car safe.

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