Cybersecurity and Smart Cars: What Impact Does Vehicle Hacking Have on Driver Safety?
In today’s world, cars aren’t just machines that get us from point A to point B—they’re rolling computers, packed with cutting-edge tech like GPS navigation, self-driving features, and Wi-Fi connectivity. These "smart cars" promise convenience, efficiency, and enhanced safety. But there’s a flip side: as vehicles become more connected, they’re also more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Vehicle hacking isn’t just a sci-fi plot twist anymore—it’s a real threat that could jeopardize driver safety in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
So, how does vehicle hacking affect driver safety? What are the risks, and what can we do about them? In this deep dive, we’ll explore the cybersecurity challenges facing smart cars, the potential dangers to drivers, and the steps being taken to keep our roads secure. Buckle up—this is going to be a wild ride.
What Makes Smart Cars Vulnerable to Hacking?
Smart cars are loaded with advanced systems—think electronic control units (ECUs), infotainment screens, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. These features rely on wireless connections like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks to communicate with the outside world. While this connectivity unlocks incredible perks (remote start, anyone?), it also opens the door to hackers.
Imagine your car as a smartphone on wheels. Just like your phone can be compromised by a shady app or a phishing scam, your vehicle’s systems can be exploited if they’re not properly secured. According to a Forbes article from January 2025, hackers can target everything from infotainment systems to critical functions like braking and steering. The more connected the car, the bigger the “attack surface” for cybercriminals.
Take the Subaru Starlink vulnerability as an example. Security researchers found that with just a license plate and some basic owner info, attackers could remotely start the car, unlock doors, or track its location in real time. That’s not just creepy—it’s a safety nightmare. And it’s not an isolated case. From Tesla key fob hacks to Kia web portal flaws, the automotive industry is grappling with a cybersecurity crisis that’s evolving faster than many manufacturers can keep up with.
The Tech Behind the Threat
To understand why smart cars are so hackable, let’s break it down. Modern vehicles have dozens of ECUs—small computers that control everything from the engine to the airbags. These units talk to each other over an internal network, often using a protocol called CAN (Controller Area Network). While CAN is efficient, it wasn’t designed with security in mind, making it a weak link.
Then there’s the external connectivity. Features like OTA updates, which let manufacturers patch software remotely, are a double-edged sword. They’re great for fixing bugs but can also be an entry point for malware if not secured properly. A 2021 Upstream Security report highlighted how OTA updates have been exploited to inject malicious code into vehicles. Add in V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication—where cars “talk” to other cars and infrastructure—and you’ve got a recipe for chaos if a hacker gets in.
How Vehicle Hacking Puts Driver Safety at Risk
Now, let’s get to the heart of it: how does this hacking stuff actually affect you when you’re behind the wheel? The short answer: it can turn your car into a weapon—or leave you stranded at the mercy of an attacker. Here are the biggest ways vehicle hacking threatens driver safety.
Loss of Vehicle Control
Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway, and suddenly your steering locks up, or your brakes stop responding. That’s not a horror movie—it’s a real possibility if a hacker takes over your car’s critical systems. Back in 2015, security researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek famously hacked a Jeep Cherokee remotely, killing the engine and messing with the brakes while a journalist was driving. Fiat Chrysler had to recall 1.4 million vehicles to fix the flaw.
Fast forward to today, and the stakes are even higher with autonomous vehicles. If a hacker compromises an self-driving car’s sensors or navigation, they could send it careening into traffic. A ScienceDirect review on autonomous vehicle security warns that attacks on V2X tech could become the next big frontier, potentially causing multi-car pileups.
GPS Manipulation
Ever relied on your car’s GPS to get through an unfamiliar city? Now imagine a hacker feeding it fake coordinates, leading you into a sketchy area—or worse, off a cliff. GPS spoofing is a growing concern, especially for self-driving cars that depend on precise location data. Misleading a driver or an autonomous system could result in accidents, delays in emergencies, or even abductions if the attacker has darker motives.
Remote Disablement
What if your car just… stopped? Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to shut down your engine or electrical systems remotely, leaving you stranded. In an emergency—like fleeing a natural disaster or rushing to the hospital—this could be catastrophic. The Help Net Security interview with Ivan Reedman from IOActive points out that such sabotage is well within the realm of possibility for connected cars.
Data Theft and Blackmail
While not a direct safety issue, stolen data can indirectly put drivers at risk. Smart cars collect a ton of personal info—your driving habits, destinations, even synced phone contacts. A Mozilla Foundation report called cars “the worst product category” for privacy, noting how this data can be sold or stolen. If hackers use it for blackmail—like threatening to crash your car unless you pay a ransom—it’s a whole new level of danger.
Large-Scale Disruptions
Think bigger: what if hackers targeted an entire fleet of cars or a city’s traffic system? By corrupting V2X communications, they could trigger mass chaos—traffic jams, accidents, or worse. A CSO Online article from 2015 warned that as cars get smarter, the “spectrum of human capabilities” exposed to hackers grows, and we’re still playing catch-up.
Real-World Examples of Vehicle Hacking
This isn’t just theory—hackers have already proven they can wreak havoc. Here are some chilling examples:
- Jeep Cherokee (2015): As mentioned, Miller and Valasek’s hack forced a massive recall after they remotely controlled a Jeep on the highway. It was a wake-up call for the industry.
- Tesla Key Fob Hack (2018): Researchers used $600 worth of gear to crack a Tesla key fob’s encryption in seconds, as reported by Wired. They could unlock and steal the car without leaving a trace.
- Kia Web Portal Flaw (2024): A Wired article revealed how a bug in Kia’s online portal let researchers unlock doors and start engines of millions of cars. It’s part of a wave of web-based vulnerabilities hitting automakers.
- BMW Vulnerabilities (2018): Chinese researchers found 14 flaws in BMW’s onboard systems, allowing remote access. BMW patched it, but it showed how even luxury brands aren’t immune.
These incidents highlight a scary truth: vehicle hacking isn’t a future problem—it’s happening now.
Why Is This Happening? The Cybersecurity Gap in the Auto Industry
So why are smart cars so vulnerable? Part of it is the rush to innovate. Automakers are racing to pack vehicles with the latest tech, often skimping on security testing to hit the market faster. A Forbes piece from 2023 notes that cybersecurity is still an afterthought for many manufacturers, tacked on late in the design process rather than built in from the start.
Then there’s the complexity. Cars rely on parts from dozens of suppliers, each with different security standards. A single weak link—like a third-party infotainment system—can compromise the whole vehicle. Plus, the industry’s slow response times don’t help. As Upstream’s Shachar Azriel told The Atlantic, it can take months to fix vulnerabilities, leaving drivers exposed.
Regulations are stepping in—like the UNECE WP.29 rules mandating cybersecurity standards since 2021—but enforcement is spotty, and not all regions comply. The result? A patchwork of protections that hackers can easily exploit.
How Does This Affect Driver Safety Day-to-Day?
For the average driver, the risks might not feel immediate. After all, you’re not a spy being targeted by a nation-state hacker, right? But the reality is more mundane—and more insidious. A compromised car could fail at a critical moment—say, during a storm or on a busy freeway. Even if hackers don’t take full control, subtle tampering (like draining your battery or disabling your alarm) could leave you vulnerable to theft or breakdowns.
For autonomous vehicle users, the stakes are higher. A hacked self-driving car doesn’t just endanger the driver—it threatens everyone on the road. And as fleets of connected cars grow (think ride-sharing or delivery services), a single breach could ripple out, turning a convenience into a catastrophe.
What’s Being Done to Protect Drivers?
The good news? The industry isn’t ignoring this. Automakers, governments, and cybersecurity experts are fighting back. Here’s what’s in play:
Industry Solutions
- Secure Design: Companies like C2A Security are embedding cybersecurity into the development process, not just bolting it on later. They work with automakers to spot risks early, as noted in that 2023 Forbes article.
- OTA Patches: Manufacturers are using over-the-air updates to fix vulnerabilities fast—when they get it right. Subaru and BMW have rolled out patches after breaches, though the tech itself needs securing.
- Standards Compliance: The ISO/SAE 21434 standard guides manufacturers on building secure vehicles, while UNECE regulations push for certified cybersecurity systems.
Government Action
Agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are researching layered defenses—isolating critical systems, monitoring for intrusions, and ensuring drivers retain control during an attack. The FBI even issued a 2016 warning about vehicle hacking risks, urging awareness.
Consumer Tips
You’re not helpless either. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Update Software: Check for firmware or app updates from your carmaker regularly.
- Use Strong Passwords: Secure your car’s connected accounts with unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Limit Third-Party Apps: Avoid unapproved software that could introduce vulnerabilities.
- Stay Vigilant: If your car acts weird (unexplained locking, strange GPS behavior), contact your dealer ASAP.
The Future of Smart Car Cybersecurity
Looking ahead, the battle between hackers and automakers will only heat up. As cars get smarter—think fully autonomous fleets by 2030—cybersecurity will become as critical as seatbelts. Experts predict we’ll see “cybersecurity ratings” on cars, like crash-test scores, giving buyers peace of mind. Forbes quotes C2A Security’s Roy Fridman saying it’s “not a nice-to-have, but a must.”
Tech like AI could help too, spotting threats in real time—like how antivirus software guards your laptop. But hackers will adapt, targeting new weak spots like electric vehicle charging stations or cloud-connected systems. The key? Staying proactive, not reactive.
Final Thoughts: Are Smart Cars Worth the Risk?
Smart cars are a game-changer—safer roads, fewer accidents, and a smoother ride. But the cybersecurity gaps can’t be ignored. Vehicle hacking isn’t just about losing your radio presets—it’s about losing control, privacy, and potentially lives. For now, the risks are real but manageable if automakers, regulators, and drivers step up.
So, are smart cars putting our safety at risk? Not inherently—but without robust defenses, they could. The road to a secure future starts with awareness. Next time you hop in your connected car, think about what’s under the hood—and who might be trying to get in.