Minimise the risk of your car getting hacked with these smart tips 30^th March 2023

For most Indians, purchasing a car is a significant milestone. It is an asset that requires heavy investment, offers convenience, and doubles as a status symbol. Over time, alternate mechanisms of protecting your car against uncertainties have emerged. These mechanisms provide owners with greater security features. One such upgradation is that of smart vehicles. While advanced tech-powered features make the driving experience safer and smoother, they also raise cybersecurity concerns.

For a vehicle that holds such significance, it is necessary to buy car insurance policy online to protect it against accidents and financial worries.

Here are some tips to prevent your smart car from getting hacked:

1. Regular updates
Cars are getting smarter by the day as manufacturers race toward developing the best systems for their automobiles. With such rapid developments, installing those updates in your vehicle becomes necessary. This can be done during your vehicle's servicing at an authorised service centre at no additional cost.

2. Secure your fob
A key fob, also known as a fob, is a common feature in the latest car models. It replaces a traditional key and facilitates keyless access to your car through electronic signals by pressing a button. While this makes opening your vehicle easier, hackers have found ways to unlock your car even when the fob is not nearby by cloning the signal using an e-signal amplifier.

Consider using a specific fob holder that protects it against hackers to prevent such signal-altering tactics. Additionally, consider purchasing an add-on key protection cover. This ensures greater protection of your vehicle and allied tools. Also, remember to buy car insurance policy online as an additional layer of protection for your car.

3. Keep an eye on Bluetooth connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity has been around for a long while, and its scope of use has expanded to other electronics than just personal communication devices. While connecting your phone to your vehicle can make drives entertaining with music or navigating easier, turn off your vehicle's Bluetooth to ward off hackers' prying eyes when not in use. Not only can they access valuable data, but re-alter routes and pose a threat to your safety.

4. Embedded firewalls
With connectivity gaining significance, car manufacturers offer multiple mechanisms to transmit data directly between owners' devices and vehicles. Do not allow communication or connectivity access to any unauthorised devices. You can install a firewall that eliminates communication attempts from unknown vehicles or devices.

5. Smartphone connectivity
As we become increasingly dependent on your smartphones, they are also doubling as an alternative to keyless entry to your car. Ensure your smartphone is secure before connecting to your vehicle using the manufacturer's authorised app. Any existing malware may prove to be an issue in the long run. Therefore, for the security of your vehicle and personal data, check for any signs of malicious intent, unauthorised apps, and data packages on your phone before you connect it to your car.

6. Avoid third-party updates
You must only install or modify your car's software approved by the manufacturer. If you install any new updates through a third party, you may encounter issues with your car's functioning and create loopholes that hackers can use to manipulate your vehicle's processing.

With smart features rolling out daily, it is inevitable to eliminate cybersecurity threats, even when it comes to cars. Consider this when comparing options to buy car insurance policy online to find the best one that offers comprehensive protection against hackers, accidents, and more. Feel free to contact a cyber expert if you feel that the situation might get critical. Stay alert and try to gain fundamental knowledge about the potential risks to your car's safety due to hacking attempts.

Click HERE to buy car insurance policy online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.