Major Automaker's Dealership Portal Vulnerable to Remote Vehicle Hijacking

A security researcher has revealed a critical vulnerability in a major carmaker's dealership portal, allowing hackers to remotely hijack vehicles, access personal and financial data, and track vehicles in real-time. The flaw was patched within one week, but raises concerns about the automotive industry's cybersecurity measures and the potential for cyber warfare targeting America's critical infrastructure.

A recent discovery by a security researcher has exposed a significant vulnerability in a major automaker's online dealership portal, potentially compromising customer data and vehicle security. The researcher found that the portal could be exploited to create an admin account, granting access to sensitive customer information, vehicle tracking, and control of car functions from anywhere. The automaker, which has several popular sub-brands, has not been named by the researcher to avoid implicating specific vendors [1].

The vulnerability allowed the researcher to bypass the login system and create a "national admin" account, effectively gaining administrator access. With this access, the researcher could pair any vehicle with a mobile app account, allowing remote control of vehicle functions such as unlocking, starting the engine, and tracking vehicle location. The researcher tested the vulnerability using a friend's car, demonstrating the potential for unauthorized access to personal belongings and data [1].

The automaker has confirmed that the vulnerability has been addressed and that no suspicious access has been detected outside of the researcher's own hacking. However, the incident underscores the broader trend of increasing cyber threats in the automotive industry. According to a report by Privacy4Cars, many automakers are struggling to meet consumer privacy expectations, with only a few brands achieving high scores in their comprehensive benchmarking study [2].

The AT&T data breach settlement, which saw the telecommunications giant pay $177 million to resolve claims surrounding two data breaches, serves as a stark reminder of the financial and reputational risks associated with inadequate cybersecurity measures [3]. The settlement, which includes funds for both breaches, highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures in preventing data breaches and protecting customer information.

In light of these developments, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the cybersecurity practices of automakers and other companies in the automotive industry. The recent findings underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and investment in cybersecurity to protect customer data and maintain the integrity of vehicle operations.

References:
[1] https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/hacker-says-discovered-way-remotely-200200047.html
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/nifty-weakness-persist-key-support-24-000-analysts-2508/
[3] https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/177m-att-data-breach-class-action-settlement/