Major Car Company Hack Shows Why Your Connected Vehicle Needs Security Updates

Russian hackers launched one of the most expensive and disruptive cyberattacks in recent years against car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover. The attack caused $2.5 billion in damage and severely disrupted the company's operations. This incident highlights that modern vehicles are computers on wheels, making them targets for cybercriminals just like your phone or laptop.

If you own a connected vehicle from any manufacturer, this should matter to you. Modern cars collect data, connect to the internet, and receive software updates.

While this specific attack targeted the company itself rather than individual car owners, it shows that the automotive industry faces serious cyber threats. Your vehicle's systems could potentially be vulnerable if manufacturers don't maintain strong security.

Here is what you should do right now. First, check if your vehicle manufacturer offers software or security updates. Many cars now receive updates like smartphones do. Second, review what data your car collects and shares. Look in your owner's manual or the company's app to understand your vehicle's connected features. Third, if your car has an app for remote starting or monitoring, make sure that app uses a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication if available. For long-term protection, treat your vehicle's digital systems like any other connected device. When you get notifications about available updates for your car's software, install them promptly. These updates often include security fixes. Consider whether you really need all connected features turned on. If you don't use remote start or in-car WiFi, you might be able to disable them and reduce potential entry points for hackers. Stay informed about recalls or security notices from your vehicle manufacturer by registering your car and keeping your contact information current.