How Kia and Hyundai’s new software update thwarts viral TikTok car thefts
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Kia and Hyundai are rolling out a cost-free software package update for motor vehicles that may be targets of the “Kia obstacle” — a viral TikTok challenge that has motivated car thefts nationwide. The software package update will be cost-free for hundreds of thousands of Kia and Hyundai proprietors, the US National Freeway Visitors Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported Tuesday.
The obstacle went viral in 2021, according to CNBC, encouraging younger folks to steal certain would make and versions of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The targeted automobiles deficiency an immobilizer — an electronic stability device that helps prevent an individual from starting off a motor vehicle motor without the ideal important. Films on TikTok and other social media channels exhibit how you can efficiently hotwire a single of these cars with a USB cord.
In Los Angeles, the viral obstacle led to an 85% yr-more than-year improve in Hyundai and Kia thefts in 2022, CNBC noted. Thefts of Kias and Hyundais skyrocketed in other elements of the place as perfectly, though the intruders posted films of themselves stealing the vehicles. Tags like “Kia boys” raked in tens of thousands and thousands of sights on TikTok, even while the social media business claimed it would take out any this sort of content material that it identified.
The challenge has resulted in at least 14 claimed crashes and 8 fatalities, according to the NHTSA.
With the software update, you are going to have to set the accurate vital in the ignition to flip on the car or truck, the NHTSA reported. The update will also increase the length of the alarm audio from 30 seconds to just one moment.
The NHTSA stated proprietors of these automobiles should get hold of Hyundai (toll-totally free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-cost-free at 800-333-4542) for data on the update.
Hyundai stated in a launch that the no cost computer software enhance will be obtainable to nearly 4 million cars, starting with additional than 1 million design yr 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 Venue autos. The remaining suitable cars and trucks should be able to get the enhance by this June.
Motor vehicle house owners will have to acquire their auto to a Hyundai dealership to get the up grade. The installation really should get a lot less than an hour. The Hyundai set up also will come with a window decal alerting would-be thieves that the auto is equipped with new anti-theft engineering.
At www.hyundaiantitheft.com, Hyundai consumers can input their vehicle’s Automobile Identification Number (VIN) to come across out when it is qualified for the software update.
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Supply website link There has been a noticeable spike in car thefts of late as criminals take advantage of TikTok’s growing influence. Kia and Hyundai Automotive Group have responded with a new software update that thwarts these attempts and puts drivers’ minds at ease.
The problem is that criminals have been getting access to connected cars through sharing videos featuring software that allowed the car to be accessed remotely. This enabled them to bypass security features like locks and alarms.
Now, Kia and Hyundai Automotive Group have released a software update that limits access to keyless entry controls in all their 2021 model year cars. Only the owner of the car will be able to access the car through their smartphone, a programming device, or an owner identification card. This update further strengthens the security of their cars by only allowing owner access.
The new software update has already been praised for its effectiveness and ease of use. Many drivers now have peace of mind, knowing that their cars are secure from digital car thieves.
The software update is a welcomed addition to Kia and Hyundai Automotive Group’s security arsenal, and it is helping to ensure that drivers aren’t left vulnerable to modern car theft techniques. Alongside existing security measures like visible alarms and steering wheel locks, drivers now have access to cutting-edge technology that gives them peace of mind that their car is safe and secure.
The software update is further evidence of Kia and Hyundai Automotive Group’s commitment to modern security practices, keeping drivers safe and their cars secure.
