Thieves are targeting Hyundai and Kia EVs with a surprisingly sophisticated hacking device disguised as a classic Nintendo Game Boy. This emulator works on XP
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Imagine waking up in the morning to find your car missing, not a single window broken, and your phone app showing your car has vanished into thin air. This is no science fiction, but the new reality for some Hyundai and Kia EV owners. Who is the culprit? A surprisingly low-tech device disguised as a childhood favourite, the Nintendo Game Boy.
Report of theft Hyundai The Ioniq 5 electric vehicle arrives in late 2023. Owners woke up in the morning to empty driveways or a disturbing notification on their phones – their vehicles were unlocked, unlocated through the Hyundai app. This was done using an emulator, which resembled not a traditional hacking tool but a cleverly disguised handheld device reminiscent of the classic Nintendo Game Boy. While emulators have been around for a few years, they have been the first generation of Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai, Kiaorigin) specifically.
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This device exploits a weakness in the car’s keyless entry system. When an owner touches the door handle, it activates a “handshake” protocol between the car and the key fob. The emulator intercepts this handshake and begins its own communication with the car. Using a specific algorithm, the emulator calculates the correct code to trick the car into believing it is a legitimate key. This process usually takes only a few seconds, but it can also vibrate in the thief’s pocket when the code is cracked and ready for use.
Beyond relay attacks
Relay attacks, in which thieves trick the car into thinking it’s nearby by amplifying the key fob’s signal, have been a common way to steal cars. Even Tesla has been vulnerable to these attacks. However, a “Game Boy” emulator bypasses the key fob entirely. In some cases, owners weren’t even in the same country when their cars were stolen.
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Once the emulator unlocks the car, it essentially acts like a key, allowing the thief to drive away. To avoid getting caught, thieves can remove the car’s connectivity module, rendering GPS and in-app tracking useless.
Target range and additional security measures
A report by InsideEVs says that resellers of the emulator claim that it can steal Hyundai cars Ionic 5Kia EV6or Genesis GV60 within seconds. Some additional models are susceptible, but require a unique PIN generated from the car’s VIN, a number visible on the exterior.
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The incident highlights the evolving landscape of car theft. As technology advances, so do the methods used by criminals. While the “Game Boy” emulator represents a clever exploit, it also underscores the need for automakers to prioritize robust security features in their vehicles, especially as electric cars become increasingly popular.
First Publication Date: 04 July 2024, 18:48 PM IST