Are Cars the Worst Tech Product For Privacy?

Photo by Evgeny Tchebotarev on Unsplash

In today’s techno-centric era, your car may be more than just a vehicle. It’s a data center on wheels, constantly collecting, storing, and possibly sharing droves of information about your behavior, preferences, and movements. As modern vehicles morph into smart gadgets with engines, privacy enthusiasts are hitting the brakes and sounding alarms. The conversation around automotive privacy is gaining traction — are cars rolling the red light on our personal privacy?

What is Car Hacking?

Car hacking refers to manipulating or exploiting the software and hardware systems in modern vehicles, often with malicious intent. With a growing reliance on digital technology for enhanced functionality and convenience, cars are becoming lucrative targets for hackers.

A striking statistic reveals that 91% of cars employ keyless ignition systems reliant on wireless key fob technology, potentially laying out a welcome mat for cyberattacks. This digital convenience may inadvertently expose vehicles to hackers prowling for vulnerabilities to exploit.

One glaring example emerged in a presentation at the DefCon hacker conference, where a hacker, Jmaxxz, spotlighted security flaws in MyCar, a system by Canadian firm Automobility. Distributed under various names like MyCar Kia and Carlink, this system…