Just last month, I hopped into my buddy’s Tesla Model Y. The second we opened the door, it unlocked on its own, adjusted the seat to fit him perfectly, synced his Spotify playlist, and pulled up a detailed health check of the car—all before we even buckled up.
It felt like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Then I asked him, “What if someone could hack this?”
He went quiet.
That’s the thing—these features are insanely convenient, but we rarely stop to think about the hidden risks that come with them.
The Invisible Risk of Electric and Connected Cars
Modern cars—especially EVs like Tesla, Rivian, or Lucid—aren’t just cars anymore. They're more like smartphones on wheels.
They’re online.
They’re collecting your data.
They’re chatting with satellites, charging docks, even other cars.
It's impressive tech—but it’s also a wide-open door for hackers.
What’s Hackable? Honestly, Almost Everything.
These vehicles come packed with features:
- Real-time GPS and navigation
- Autopilot and lane assist
- Unlocking and starting from your phone
- Interior cameras keeping an eye on things
- Automatic software updates over Wi-Fi
Great for tech lovers. A goldmine for hackers.
Remember back in 2015 when researchers remotely took control of a Jeep Cherokee—steering, brakes, the whole deal—while a reporter was driving on a highway? Since then, attacks have only gotten more advanced.
In 2022, a teenager in Germany figured out how to remotely access over 25 Teslas. He could flash the lights, roll down windows, even start the cars—all from his laptop. He wasn’t a pro hacker, just a curious teen.
What’s Really at Stake?
1. Your Personal Info
Your Tesla knows:
- Where you’ve been
- How fast you drive
- When and where you charge
- What songs you vibe to
- Who you’re calling—if your phone’s connected
Hackers can use this to:
- Track your daily patterns
- Sell your info on shady corners of the internet
- Launch creepy targeted scams
- And in high-stakes scenarios? Spy on military or government personnel
If you’re regularly driving to sensitive spots like embassies, military bases, or hospitals—it’s not just your privacy that’s at risk.
2. Your Physical Safety
Yep, hackers could:
- Unlock your doors
- Start or stop your engine
- Mess with your speed or brakes
- Trigger airbags
- Disable safety systems like autopilot
In one demo, researchers literally brought a Jeep to a halt on a highway. Imagine what could happen with fully autonomous vehicles in the wrong hands.
Sounds extreme? It’s already been simulated. The tools are out there—it’s just a matter of time and motive.
3. Bigger, System-Wide Risks
It’s not just about your car. The entire ecosystem is exposed.
Hackers have gone after:
- Key fobs: Using signal extenders, they can unlock cars parked right outside your home—even with the keys inside.
- Charging stations: Compromised chargers can inject malware into your car.
- Software supply chains: Malicious code planted during manufacturing could spread to thousands of vehicles undetected.
In 2021, experts warned that even public EV chargers could be hijacked to spy on users—or worse, act as malware hubs.
Real Stories That Should Raise Your Eyebrows
- USA: Hackers backed by Iran infiltrated water systems using methods that could easily target cars next.
- UK: A hidden SIM card was found in a government vehicle, quietly sending GPS data to an unknown location.
- China: Several countries raised red flags over alleged surveillance tech embedded in exported EVs.
This isn’t just theory anymore. It’s already happening.
So... What Can You Actually Do?
Not everyone’s a cybersecurity expert—but there are ways to protect yourself:
1. Lock Down Your Key Fob
- Store it in a Faraday pouch
- Keep it away from entry points in your home
- If your car allows, turn off passive entry
2. Keep Your Software Fresh
- Always install updates—they often fix critical bugs
- Use only trusted charging stations
- Be wary of third-party vehicle apps
3. Minimize Data Sharing
- Disable tracking when it’s not needed
- Don’t sync every app or contact
- Check what info your car is logging regularly
4. Demand More from Car Brands
It’s time automakers treat cybersecurity like they do crash safety. If we expect airbags, we should expect:
- Encrypted data transfers
- Two-factor login systems
- Alerts for unusual activity
Regulators need to jump in too—set baseline security rules just like they do for seat belts or emissions.
One Last Thing
We’re standing at a crossroads.
Cars are smarter than ever—but that intelligence also makes them easier to compromise.
If you’re driving a Tesla, BMW i4, or even a connected gas-powered car, it’s time to think like a digital citizen. Be aware. Take steps to protect your info. And ask the hard questions before blindly embracing the tech.
Because the road ahead isn’t just electric—it’s exposed.
References:
- Hackers Remotely Kill a Jeep on the Highway—With Me in It | WIRED
- Tesla security flaw: Teen hacker says he took control of 25 Teslas | Fortune
- The Hidden Cybersecurity Risks of the EV Charging Ecosystem – A Critical Look - Upstream Security
- Pennsylvania water facility hit by Iran-linked hackers | CyberScoop
- Chinese tracking device is 'discovered inside UK government car', as senior politician slams Beijing | Daily Mail Online
- Chinese electric vehicles are a rolling security threat | The Strategist
Omar has over 25 years of expertise in the technology field, specifically in Cybersecurity and Data Resilence. He currently serves as a Senior Systems Engineer at Veeam, where he is tasked with delivering data resiliency solutions to organizations to ensure the uninterrupted operation and quick recovery of their critical IT workloads and applications.
