Hundreds of Security Flaws Found in Modern Connected Cars

Hundreds of security vulnerabilities have been identified in modern cars, and the most worrying entry points are not inside the vehicle itself. According to the findings, attackers can get in through mobile apps and cloud infrastructure that manufacturers use to connect cars to their owners.

Apps and cloud as the weak link

Today's vehicles are far more than mechanical machines. They rely on companion smartphone apps, remote services and back-end servers that handle functions such as account access and communication with the car. Each of those layers expands the attack surface, and the reported flaws show that weaknesses in these connected elements are now a major route for hackers.

The sheer number of issues, in the hundreds, suggests the problem is systemic rather than limited to a single model or a single manufacturer's mistake.

Why it matters for drivers

For owners, the practical lesson is that a car's digital security now depends on software that sits outside the vehicle: the app on a phone and the servers behind it. A flaw in either can potentially expose the car or the data tied to its owner's account.

Drivers can reduce risk with ordinary precautions: keeping the car's companion app and the vehicle software up to date, using strong and unique passwords for the manufacturer account, and enabling two-factor authentication where it is offered.

What comes next

The findings add pressure on carmakers and their suppliers to treat apps and cloud services with the same security rigor as the car's onboard systems. As more vehicles become permanently connected, regular testing, quick patching and transparent handling of vulnerabilities are likely to become a standard expectation from both customers and regulators.