Your Car Getting Hacked? Simple Ways to Stay Safe

If you’ve ever walked up to your car and found the doors unlocked for no reason, the infotainment screen frozen, or your phone app showing the car is somewhere it definitely isn’t, you’re not going mad. Modern cars are basically giant smartphones on wheels, and just like your phone, they can be hacked. In Australia we’ve already seen keyless cars stolen in under 60 seconds, GPS trackers used to stalk ex-partners, and even ransomware locking owners out of their own vehicles.

The risks are real, growing fast, and most drivers have no idea how exposed they are. The good news? You can lock down your car in minutes with simple, free or cheap steps that work on almost any 2018-or-newer model.

Why Are Today’s Cars So Easy to Hack?

Pretty much every car built in the last seven years has at least one (and usually several) wireless connections:

• Built-in 4G/5G SIM card for emergency calls and over-the-air updates
• Bluetooth for your phone and keys
• Car’s own Wi-Fi network
• Remote apps that let you start, unlock, or track the car

Each of these is a potential door for someone with the right tools. In 2024, researchers in Sydney showed they could unlock and drive away a popular SUV using a $150 device bought online. In Melbourne, thieves used “relay boxes” to steal dozens of luxury cars from driveways while owners slept. The scary part? Most victims never knew their car had been hacked until it was gone.

The Most Common Attacks Happening Right Now in Australia

1. Keyless Relay Attacks – Two thieves work together: one stands near your house with an antenna, the other near your car. They extend the signal from your key fob inside the house so the car thinks the key is close and unlocks.
2. OBD-II Dongle Hijacking – Those little insurance trackers you plug in can be reprogrammed to send fake data or even disable the engine.
3. Fake Software Updates – Hackers set up rogue Wi-Fi networks in car parks that look like “Toyota Guest” or “Free VW Hotspot”. When your car connects, it downloads malware.
4. App Takeovers – Weak passwords or reused ones let criminals log in as you and unlock the car from anywhere in the world.
5. Public Charger Malware – Plugging into a dodgy USB port at a shopping centre can infect both your phone and your car.

Warning Signs Your Car Might Already Be Compromised

Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• The horn honks or lights flash randomly at night
• Battery drains overnight even when the car is off
• GPS shows the car in a different suburb
• Strange new Wi-Fi networks appear in the car’s list
• Infotainment system reboots or freezes constantly

If you notice any of these, pull over safely, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the settings, and get the car scanned by a trusted auto electrician.

Simple, Everyday Ways to Stay Safe (No Tech Skills Needed)

1. Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth When You’re Home : Go into the car’s settings and disable both. They’re easy to switch back on for trips. This single step stops the majority of casual attacks.
2. Store Your Keys in a Faraday Pouch or Tin : A $15–25 signal-blocking pouch (or even an old biscuit tin) stops relay attacks completely. Drop your keys in it as soon as you walk in the door.
3. Avoid public USB chargers completely : So-called “juice-jacking” can install malware in seconds. Carry a normal power bank or cigarette-lighter charger instead.
4. Accept Every Official Software Update Prompt : Carmakers are pushing security patches faster than ever. Connect to your home Wi-Fi and let the update run overnight.
5. Add a Visible Steering Lock or Wheel Clamp : Even if a thief hacks the electronics, a bright yellow disc lock or clamp makes the car impossible to take without making a scene.
6. Change Your App Password and Enable Two-Factor Authentication : Most car-maker apps now support 2FA turn it on today.
7. Wipe All Personal Data Before Selling or Scrapping : When it’s time to say goodbye, choose a licensed wrecker that guarantees a full data wipe. Many reputable Australian services do this as standard, but any licensed operator should offer it. Deleting saved addresses, trip history, and paired phones stops the next owner (or a hacker) from accessing your private data, learn more here.

What’s Changing in 2025 and Beyond?

From July 2025, every new car sold in Australia must meet tougher UN cybersecurity standards. That means better encryption and automatic security updates. But the millions of cars already on our roads won’t magically get those upgrades. Electric vehicles are especially at risk because they store even more personal data (charging locations, home address, daily routines).

Final Thoughts

Your car might be smarter than the one your parents drove, but a few basic habits make it almost impossible for the average thief to hack. Turn off the wireless features you don’t need, block your key signal, keep software updated, and always wipe data before handover. Do these simple things and you’ll remove 99 % of the risk—no expensive gadgets required. Drive safe, stay private, and enjoy the tech without the worry.

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