Modern vehicles are more connected than ever, but this connectivity brings new cybersecurity risks. This presentation explains car hacking, the real-world threats it poses, and how automotive penetration testing helps safeguard drivers and manufacturers. Learn about real examples, testing methodologies, and best practices to strengthen vehicle security. Written for automotive engineers, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity enthusiasts. For more in-depth resources on penetration testing, visit DefenderRabbit.com — your trusted cybersecurity knowledge hub.

2. A
THE
VULNERABLE
MACHINE
Modern vehicles contain up to
100 ECUs
and millions of lines of code
Multiple connectivity features
create numerous entry points
CAN bus networks lack built-in
security protocols
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3. WHEN HACKERS TAKE THE
WHEEL
"I was driving 70 mph on the edge of downtown St. Louis when
the exploit began to take hold."
— Andy Greenberg, WIRED
2015 Jeep Cherokee Hack
Security researchers remotely took control of a Jeep Cherokee,
manipulating radio, AC, brakes, and engine from miles away.
2016 Tesla Model S Hack
Researchers from Keen Security Lab remotely compromised a Tesla,
controlling doors, sunroof, and braking system.
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Security firm discovered 19 vulnerabilities in Mercedes-Benz connected
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4. B DIGITAL THREATS
Remote Access Attacks
Exploiting telematics and connectivity systems to gain
unauthorized control
CAN Bus Injection
Sending unauthorized commands to critical vehicle systems
Malware Infections
Targeting infotainment and navigation systems
Key Fob Relay Attacks
Intercepting and replaying wireless signals
Sensor Spoofing
Manipulating ADAS and autonomous systems
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5. THE ART OF ETHICAL
HACKING
Ethical hacking for cars — simulating attacks in
a controlled environment to expose vulnerabilities
before criminals do.
Systematically probes all vehicle systems and interfaces for security
weaknesses
Tests both physical and wireless attack vectors across the entire vehicle
ecosystem
Examines firmware, software, and hardware for vulnerabilities
Identifies risks before vehicles reach consumers or before exploits
become public
"Cybersecurity for cars isn't
just about protecting data —
it's about protecting lives."
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6. C
THE PROTECTION PROTOCOL
1 Discovery
Gather technical details about the vehicle's network architecture,
components, and communication protocols.
2 Analysis
Identify potential attack vectors and create threat models based on
system architecture.
3 Exploitation
Attempt realistic attacks in controlled environments without
damaging vehicle systems.
4 Reporting
Document vulnerabilities and provide actionable solutions for each
weakness found.
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7. SECURITY AS LUXURY
For Automakers
Reduced recall costs and brand
damage
Regulatory compliance (ISO/SAE
21434)
Competitive advantage in safety
features
For Consumers
Enhanced personal safety and
security
Protection of personal data and
privacy
Reduced risk of vehicle theft or
hijacking
Proactive security testing is significantly more cost-
effective than reactive fixes after a breach.
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8. D THE NEXT FRONTIER
5G Connectivity
Ultra-fast networks enabling real-
time security monitoring while
creating new attack vectors.
AI-Powered Security
Machine learning systems detecting
anomalies and responding to threats
in real-time.
Smart City Integration
V2X communications requiring new
security frameworks for
infrastructure interaction.
Security by Design
Cybersecurity becoming a
fundamental part of vehicle
architecture from inception.
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9. CRAFTING YOUR SECURITY
STRATEGY
01
Assess Your Current Security Posture
Conduct a comprehensive inventory of all vehicle systems and their potential
vulnerabilities.
02
Develop a Security Framework
Create security policies aligned with industry standards like ISO/SAE 21434.
03
Build Security into Development
Integrate security testing throughout the entire vehicle development lifecycle.
04
Partner with Security Experts
Work with specialized automotive cybersecurity firms that understand both IT
and automotive engineering.
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