Connected Car
Korean car-makers Hyundai and Kia will issue software updates to some of their models after a method of stealing them circulated on TikTok, leading to many thefts and even some deaths. The "Kia Challenge" started circulating in mid-2022 and explained that it's possible to remove the steering column covering on some Hyundai and Kia models by force, exposing a slot that fits a USB-A plug. Videos depicting the hack went viral, leading to huge spikes in thefts of the vulnerable models around the world. "The software upgrade modifies certain vehicle control modules on Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard 'turn-key-to-start' ignition systems," The car-maker explained. The NHTSA's announcement states that "Kia is also rolling out its FREE software updates in a phased approach.