Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hacked Through Car's Wi-Fi
Cars these days are packed with high-tech features, but they’re not always safe.
Last year, news of a Jeep Cherokee getting hacked remotely brought attention to the potential disadvantages of today’s modern features. Now, a British security firm has managed to hack a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by taking advantage of its Wi-Fi system.
Initially, Pen Test Partners found it peculiar that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s mobile app works differently than other vehicles. You see, most apps communicate with the cloud before sending information to a vehicle, adding an extra layer of security. The Outlander PHEV’s app however, communicates directly with the vehicle through a Wi-Fi access point that has not been implemented securely, according to the hackers.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Review
The company managed to crack the Wi-Fi key and were then able to access several of the car’s functions including turning on the headlights and the climate control system. While those aren’t major issues, Pen Test Partners was also able to disable the car’s anti-theft and alarm system, making it quite easy to steal the car.
For now, the Japanese automaker is recommending that any concerned owners should deactivate the vehicle’s Wi-Fi using the “Cancel VIN Registration” option found in the app, or by using the remote app cancellation procedure found in the vehicle’s Multi Communication System.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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