A Device Hidden in Cars Across the US Leaves Them Vulnerable to Hacking and Paralysis. Patch It Now
Millions of vehicles in the U.S. face heightened security risks due to vulnerabilities in dealer-installed anti-theft devices.
The obvious questions
How does the vulnerability work?
According to coverage, the devices are susceptible to remote hacking by individuals within Bluetooth range, allowing them to unlock cars or kill engines.
How many vehicles are affected?
Multiple reports state that approximately 2 million vehicles with dealer-installed anti-theft systems are at risk.
What should vehicle owners do?
Security advisories referenced in coverage suggest that owners should take steps to patch the vulnerable systems.
The story so far
Security researchers have identified a vulnerability in anti-theft systems installed by car dealers, which could allow unauthorized users within Bluetooth range to unlock vehicles or disable engines. Approximately 2 million vehicles are identified as being at an increased risk for theft or remote manipulation.
Coverage from WIRED, The Drive, The Tech Buzz, Newswise, UC San Diego Today, and Yahoo Tech highlights that many vehicle owners may be unaware that these devices are present in their cars. Reports note that these systems are often installed by dealers without explicit customer knowledge or payment.
Technical experts are advising owners to seek patches for these systems. Coverage does not yet specify which vehicle manufacturers or specific device brands are most affected by the vulnerability.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 46d ago.
Who reported it (6)
- 2 Million Cars with Anti-Theft Systems Installed by Dealers are at Higher Risk of Theft Newswise · 46d ago
- Anyone in Bluetooth Range Can Unlock Cars, Kill Engines Through Alarms Owners May Never Have Paid For The Drive · 46d ago
- Millions of US Cars Vulnerable to Remote Hacking via Hidden Alarms The Tech Buzz · 46d ago
- 2 Million Cars with Anti-Theft Systems Installed by Dealers are at Higher Risk of Theft UC San Diego Today · 46d ago
- I Stole a Car By Hacking This Hidden Device Yahoo Tech · 46d ago
- A Device Hidden in Cars Across the US Leaves Them Vulnerable to Hacking and Paralysis. Patch It Now WIRED · 46d ago
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