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Hackers Can Jailbreak Digital License Plates to Make Others Pay Their Tolls and Tickets
In the future, if you’re driving around with a digital license plate on your vehicle, beware of cyber attacks. Cybersecurity experts warn that hackers could exploit these high-tech plates to make others pay for their tolls and traffic tickets.
Digital license plates have gained popularity in recent years, as they provide real-time information about vehicles, such as their location and speed. These plates are currently legal to buy and register in California, Arizona, and Michigan, with many more states considering legalization.
However, cybersecurity experts warn that the convenience these digital plates offer may come at a cost. According to Andy Greenberg, senior writer for WIRED, hackers could potentially jailbreak these devices to steal personal information or even manipulate their functionality.
“You should assume people will mess with them,” says Greenberg. “And people need to accept the implications of that.”
In fact, experts have already demonstrated how digital license plates can be hacked. In a recent experiment, researchers were able to hack into a digital plate and alter its data in real-time, allowing them to make someone else’s vehicle appear to be speeding or breaking traffic laws.
This could lead to serious consequences for the unsuspecting driver, including fines and even license suspension. “It’s not just about hacking the plate itself,” says Greenberg. “It’s about exploiting a system that relies on these plates as an identifier.”
As digital license plates become increasingly popular, law enforcement agencies and transit regulators need to be aware of this potential risk and take steps to prevent it.
“Any system that relies solely on license plates as an identifier is vulnerable to hacking,” says Greenberg. “It’s not a matter of if they’ll be hacked, but when.”
To protect against these attacks, experts suggest implementing robust security measures such as encryption and secure authentication protocols.
Ultimately, the increased risk of digital license plate hacking highlights the need for greater awareness and caution in this area. As technology advances, it is crucial that we also prioritize cybersecurity to ensure our personal information remains safe and secure.
This article was originally published on Wired.com
Source: www.wired.com
