Are Kia and Hyundai’s Anti-theft Software Updates Finally Putting a Stop to Thefts?

The Kia Boys and the Software Update: A Tale of Car Thefts, TikTok, and Technology

The rise of the "Kia Boys," a group of thieves capitalizing on vulnerabilities in Hyundai and Kia vehicles, has created a significant challenge for the automakers. These individuals, empowered by viral TikTok videos, learned to exploit design flaws in certain models to steal cars with alarming ease. While the automakers have implemented a software update to address the issue, the problem persists, highlighting the complex interplay between technology, social media, and crime.

The Genesis of the Problem:

The ease with which the "Kia Boys" could steal these cars stemmed from a widespread lack of electronic immobilizers in Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2019. These immobilizers, a standard feature in most vehicles within that period, act as a crucial layer of anti-theft protection by preventing the vehicle from starting without a matching key.

The absence of these immobilizers proved to be a significant vulnerability. Videos on platforms like TikTok demonstrated how thieves could bypass the ignition system using simple tools, such as a USB cable, and start the engine without a key. This accessibility fuelled the trend, encouraging copycat thefts and making Hyundai and Kia models highly sought-after targets.

The Automakers’ Response:

Faced with a surge in car thefts and mounting public pressure, Hyundai and Kia took action. In February 2023 they began rolling out a software update designed to enhance vehicle security and mitigate the risks highlighted by the "Kia Boys." Key features of this update included:

• Extending alarm duration: The alarm sound was increased from 30 seconds to a full minute, making it more noticeable and hopefully deterring potential thieves.

• Key-based ignition activation: The update required a key to be present in the ignition switch for the vehicle to start, essentially introducing a software-based immobilizer.

  Early Signs of Success:

Initial assessments by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) suggest that the software update has had a positive impact. Theft claim frequencies for vehicles with the update were 53 percent lower than those without it. The frequency of whole vehicle thefts dropped even more significantly, at 64 percent lower for vehicles with the update.

Persistent Challenges:

Despite the encouraging initial signs, the HLDI acknowledges that theft rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles remain "elevated" compared to other brands, even for models with the update. Theft claim frequency for these vehicles in the latter half of 2023, according to the HLDI, was "more than 11 times as high as in the first half of 2020," and "more than 8 times as high as the July-December 2023 theft claim frequency for other brands."

Several factors contribute to this continued vulnerability:

• Incomplete update adoption: The HLDI estimated that only 30 percent of eligible Hyundais and 28 percent of eligible Kias had received the update by December 2023. While the automakers have stated that approximately 60 percent of eligible vehicles have been updated since then, there remains a significant portion of vehicles still susceptible to these thefts.
• User error and dependence on technology: The HLDI suggests a potential reason for continued thefts is that the software-based immobilizer only activates if the driver locks the vehicle with a key fob. Many drivers are accustomed to using the door handle switch, which doesn’t engage the software-based immobilizer. This highlights the vulnerability of relying solely on technology and the potential for user error to undermine security measures.
• Shifting tactics: Thieves, undeterred, have adjusted their methods. Vandalism claims have increased as they break into vehicles to steal valuables or damage the interior, frustrated by the software update’s effectiveness in preventing car theft.

A Complex Equation:

The "Kia Boys" phenomenon serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of crime in the digital age. Social media platforms like TikTok have effectively democratized knowledge, enabling the sharing of information, even if that information is for illicit purposes. In this case, videos detailing simple methods for bypassing car security systems became a public resource for would-be thieves.

The challenge for automakers is to stay one step ahead. Beyond software updates, they must continuously assess and address evolving vulnerabilities in vehicle designs and security systems. Moreover, collaboration with communities and law enforcement agencies is crucial to educate drivers about security best practices and to combat criminal activity effectively.

Looking Ahead:

As technology continues to advance, the lines between the physical and digital worlds blur. Automakers must adapt quickly to stay ahead of new vulnerabilities and security threats. Cybersecurity and connected car technology are increasingly critical aspects of vehicle design. The "Kia Boys" case shows that even seemingly minor design flaws can have far-reaching consequences.

While software updates have had a positive impact on reducing car thefts, continued vigilance and a proactive approach to security are crucial. The "Kia Boys" phenomenon is a complex issue that highlights the need for a multifaceted response, encompassing technology, education, and law enforcement collaboration. Only through a concerted effort can we ensure the security of our vehicles and our communities.

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