Electric Vehicle Key Systems Are Under Attack – Here’s What Every EV Owner Needs to Know

Electric vehicles represent the future of transportation, but their advanced key systems have become a prime target for sophisticated cybercriminals. As EVs become increasingly connected and software-driven, most EVs come with keyless entry, remote app controls, and advanced onboard systems. These make life convenient for drivers — but also create opportunities for tech-savvy thieves.

The Growing Threat Landscape

The security challenges facing EV owners are more complex than traditional vehicle theft. Recent academic research confirms: remote keyless entry is now a main attack vector, and most automakers haven’t kept up with the threat. Attacks like relay, replay, and even cryptanalytic hacks let criminals bypass security on everything from family sedans to luxury EVs.

Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have been proven susceptible to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) relay attacks, allowing thieves to unlock and drive away in seconds if advanced security features (like PIN-to-drive) are not enabled. While not among the top 10 most stolen cars by volume, Tesla’s vulnerability is notable because the attack exploits the convenience of phone-as-key and BLE fobs.

Common Attack Methods Targeting EV Key Systems

Modern criminals employ several sophisticated techniques to compromise EV security:

• Relay Attacks: Thieves use radio amplifiers to trick your car into thinking the key is nearby—even if it’s inside your home. This method can unlock and start vehicles in under 20 seconds.
• Signal Interception: Hackers have been able to record transmissions from a key fob and later reply them to the same vehicle, exploiting replay attack vulnerabilities.
• OBD-II Port Exploitation: Once access is gained, attackers often move to the next stage: injecting new fobs via the OBD-II port. Low-cost diagnostic tools allow them to reprogram the car to accept a new key, essentially completing a cyber-assisted hijacking of the vehicle’s control systems.
• Key Fob Spoofing: Vulnerabilities in key fob systems may allow attackers to spoof or intercept signals, gaining unauthorized access to the vehicle.

The Vulnerability of Modern EV Systems

At the heart of the lawsuit is a long-standing vulnerability in keyless entry systems, specifically the use of unencrypted RF signals to communicate between the vehicle and the key fob. This fundamental weakness has persisted despite years of awareness within the automotive industry.

Hacked through signal interception or code duplication, compromised key fobs, NFC cards, and phone-as-a-key apps can also be misused to unlock EVs or tamper with crucial systems. Moreover, cybercriminals could exploit vulnerabilities in EV infotainment systems to access vehicle functions and personal data, such as contacts, call logs, and GPS history.

Advanced Security Features EV Owners Should Know About

Fortunately, manufacturers are implementing new security measures to combat these threats:

• Multi-Factor Authentication: Implementing multi-factor authentication for remote access to the vehicle’s systems adds an additional layer of security. This could involve requiring a secondary authentication method, such as a one-time password sent to the driver’s smartphone, before gaining remote access to the vehicle.
• PIN-to-Drive Features: Tesla vehicle owners are advised to take advantage of a feature called “PIN-to-drive,” which acts as a form of multifactor authentication (MFA). This feature requires the driver to enter a four-digit PIN code before the car can be started, even after it has been unlocked using the key fob or smartphone. PIN-to-drive provides a second layer of protection, ensuring that even if a thief unlocks the car using a relay attack, the thief cannot start the vehicle without knowing the PIN.
• AI-Based Threat Detection: Leveraging AI and machine learning technologies can help detect and prevent cyberattacks in real time. These systems can monitor the vehicle’s operations and look for unusual patterns or anomalies that may indicate a cyber threat. By implementing AI-based threat detection, manufacturers can reduce the time it takes to respond to an attack.

Protecting Your EV Investment

EV owners can take several proactive steps to enhance their vehicle’s security:

• Use Faraday Pouches: To protect your keyless entry fob use RFID signal-blocking devices such as Faraday pouches or boxes. These accessories prevent unauthorized access by blocking signals between your key fob and potential relay attackers.
• Enable All Security Features: Different EVs come with different security features. Salary sacrifice drivers should make the most of them: Sentry Mode: Records suspicious activity using cameras. PIN to Drive: Prevents driving without a unique PIN. Tesla App: Lets you locate, lock, or disable the car remotely.
• Regular Software Updates: In many cases, a software update for either the BCM and/or key fob may be enough to fix known vulnerabilities. For this reason, OEMs that offer an Over-The-Air update feature are best-equipped to efficiently respond to the inevitable next attack.

When Professional Help Is Needed

If your EV’s key system has been compromised or you’re experiencing unusual behavior, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance immediately. For Philadelphia area residents, an experienced automotive locksmith philadelphia can provide specialized services for modern EV key systems and security upgrades.

The McCausland family has been perfecting locksmith techniques since the late 1800s, bringing unmatched knowledge to every job. We’ve been solving these exact issues since the 1800s—automotive lockouts, commercial security upgrades, residential lock repairs, and everything in between. Their expertise extends to the latest EV security technologies, ensuring your investment remains protected.

The Road Ahead

As electric vehicles continue to evolve, so too will the security measures designed to protect them. The primary goal of ISO 15118 is to enable seamless, secure, and intelligent communication that supports advanced features like Plug & Charge (PnC), Smart Charging, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). While the former introduced key concepts like PnC, the latter expands the scope to include full bidirectional energy transfer, wireless power transfer and puts more focus on security by requiring any V2G session to be performed under TLS.

The future of EV security lies in comprehensive, multi-layered approaches that combine advanced encryption, biometric authentication, and AI-powered threat detection. There is no silver bullet for preventing car theft, but proper implementation of the mitigation methods and practices described above would serve as a strong baseline for averting the vast majority of keyless entry hacking attempts.

By staying informed about these evolving threats and implementing proper security measures, EV owners can enjoy the benefits of advanced automotive technology while keeping their valuable investments secure. The key is understanding that modern vehicle security requires a proactive approach – one that combines manufacturer-provided features with user awareness and professional expertise when needed.