COLUMBUS, Ohio — About three months ago, Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors unveiled software designed to thwart the epidemic of vehicle theft caused by security flaws exposed on TikTok and other social media sites. Did.
CrimeTracker 10 has been reporting this trend for over a year.
But data from cities across the United States and central Ohio show that thieves are still taking vehicles at alarming rates.
At this time, millions of vehicles are still vulnerable despite the availability of software updates.
Many are now urging the federal government to take action, fearing this trend of vehicle hacking could grow in the years to come, giving thieves even more options.
“I couldn’t imagine, I couldn’t imagine,” said Anthony McSwain.
McSwain never thought the word victim could be associated with his name.
“I was just, just shocked. It’s impossible. I can’t believe this could happen,” McSwain said. His 2014 Kia Optima was stolen within seconds from outside his workplace on Cleveland Avenue in Columbus.
“When I got out, I realized my car was gone,” McSwain said.
McSwain now joins a growing list of Kia and Hyundai owners affected by a disturbing social media crime.
Thieves take advantage of a design flaw in the ignition system. They can steal a car using only a screwdriver and his USB cable.
A software upgrade released by automakers nearly three months ago was intended to curb the rampant theft epidemic and make vehicle theft more difficult.
But in McSwain’s case, thieves say they found a workaround.
“I was told it would cost between $2,500 and $5,000 to fix the steering column. And I explained to them that I had brought this car in to be used for an update. And they contacted Kia Motor Company. We just said we need to,” McSwain said.
Citywide, Kia and Hyundai thefts combined already exceed nearly 2,000 thefts in big cities like Minneapolis, according to figures provided by the Columbus Police Department. Columbus is poised to break Kias’ stolen base record last year.
“It’s all a tragedy, and it’s amazing what a small, not-so-expensive piece of equipment could have prevented,” said Michael Brooks, executive director of the Automotive Center. safety.
Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors say they are speeding up the distribution of security software, but some say the rollout is too slow.
“The prevalence of the TikTok hack far outstrips vehicle repairs that are taking place today,” Brooks said.
Brooks said only 10% of the 8 million vehicles covered have been repaired.
“That means that nine out of 10 thieves break into a vehicle that won’t be fixed, and they’ll be able to tick it,” said Michael Brooks. rice field.
Brooks calls it a public safety crisis, and it’s a never-before-seen crisis involving car hacking.
“There is so much potential in the world of automotive and cybersecurity, but much of it is pretty tough, and there are currently no government-mandated minimum standards for vehicle cybersecurity,” said Michael Brooks. said Mr.
Kia and Hyundai are currently being targeted, but Brooks warns that with more and more cars relying on technology, it’s only a matter of time before hackers start targeting other automakers. do.
“I think it is very important that the government gets involved now and tells automakers that they need to upgrade their cybersecurity for the next 15 years. Even if it gets to that point, it won’t be even more lethal,” Brooks said.
At least 17 attorneys general across the country are urging the federal government to intervene and issue a recall, saying the vehicles are unsafe.
Meanwhile, just last week, Hyundai and Kia agreed to settle a class action lawsuit worth nearly $200 million. If your vehicle is damaged, stolen, or wrecked due to this ongoing defect, it could probably apply.
Individual payments range from $3,000 to $6,000.
The settlement is still pending final approval from the judge overseeing the case, which is expected to take place in July. That’s when the money can start to be released.
Until then, steering wheel locks and parking in a safe place are the best defenses, experts say
10TV has reached out to both Kia Motors and Hyundai for comment. Kia Motors did not respond by the time this story aired, wrote Hyundai’s corporate and marketing public relations manager.
“At this time, Hyundai is not aware of any known software glitches and can report that the software is indeed working as designed. Hyundai will provide a software upgrade for all affected vehicles. We are committed to continuing our efforts to complete this in the most effective manner possible.We are in contact with NHTSA on a number of actions to assist our customers.”
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