Hidden Car Alarms Pose Hacking Risk to Millions
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4h ago

Hidden Car Alarms Pose Hacking Risk to Millions

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Millions of vehicles across the United States are vulnerable to hacking and potential paralysis due to aftermarket alarms installed by dealerships, even when customers did not request them. Security researchers have discovered these devices can be exploited to unlock, track, and disable cars.

The alarms were reportedly installed in millions of vehicles by dealerships as standard practice. Even after buyers declined the alarm systems, dealerships often left them active within the vehicle’s network. This creates a significant security vulnerability because the devices are connected to the car's internal systems.

Researchers warn that these aftermarket alarms can be hacked, granting unauthorized access to critical vehicle functions. They can potentially unlock doors, track the car’s location, and even disable the engine remotely. The core issue is that these devices were added *after* the vehicles left the factory, bypassing standard automotive security measures.

The source does not specify when dealerships began this practice or how many vehicles are affected beyond stating it's 'millions'. However, researchers are urging owners to have the devices removed or disabled as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of a potential hack.

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