Hackable cars in Spain: what risks do they entail for companies and users

In recent days, information has been published about the existence of hackable cars in Spain vulnerable to cyberattacks, a reality that brings to the table the risks associated with the increasing digitalization of the automotive sector. Today's vehicles are no longer just mechanical systems: they are connected platforms, with upgradable software and multiple digital access points.

This scenario opens up new questions about enterprise IT security, data protection and operational risks, both for manufacturers and for corporate fleets and end users.

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What is known about hackable cars in Spain?

According to recently published information, certain vehicle models marketed in Spain have vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorized access to different digital functions of the car.

These weaknesses would be related to:

• Remote connectivity systems.
• Mobile applications linked to the vehicle.
• Exposed digital interfaces.
• Failures in authentication management.

Although this is not a confirmed mass incident or a specific security breach with a known direct impact, the fact that there are potential vulnerabilities demonstrates that the attack surface in the automotive sector continues to grow.

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Why the automotive sector is a growing target

The modern vehicle is, in essence, a distributed computer system on wheels. It incorporates:

• 4G/5G connectivity.
• Integration with cloud services.
• Connected navigation systems.
• OTA (Over-The-Air) software updates.
• IoT sensors and devices.

This makes cars new targets for cybercriminals.

The main reasons are:

1. Economic and data value: location information, driving habits and personal data.
2. Operational interruption: especially critical in logistics fleets or corporate transport.
3. Reputational impact: manufacturers and dealers may have their image compromised.
4. Physical risks: In certain scenarios, a computer attack could affect critical functions.

In this sense, connected vehicles become part of the ecosystem of critical mobility infrastructures, especially in intelligent urban environments.

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How do these types of cyberattacks occur

Attacks on connected cars don't usually start directly on the vehicle. In many cases, the entry point is in external systems.

The most common vectors include:

1. Commitment to mobile applications associated with the vehicle.
2. Configuration errors in APIs and cloud services.
3. Weak or poorly managed credentials.
4. Unpatched vulnerabilities in embedded software.
5. Attacks on the technological supply chain.

This type of computer attack demonstrates that vehicle safety depends not only on the manufacturer, but on its entire digital ecosystem.

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Key lessons for companies and manufacturers

The case of hackable cars in Spain leaves several strategic conclusions:

• Cybersecurity must be integrated from the design (Security by Design).
• Regular software and connectivity audits are essential.
• Identity and access management is critical.
• Continuous monitoring makes it possible to detect abnormal behavior.
• Third-party and vendor security is as important as internal security.

For companies that manage fleets, dealers or mobility platforms, the risk is not theoretical. An incident may involve:

• Operational shutdown.
• Data loss.
• Regulatory sanctions.
• Significant economic impact.

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Automotive cybersecurity as a strategic priority

The evolution towards the connected vehicle requires us to treat safety as an essential component of the business, not as a technical addition.

The convergence between IoT, intelligent mobility and digital services makes the border between the physical and digital worlds increasingly blurred. Protecting a car no longer just means protecting a physical asset, but also its software, its communications and its integration into business environments.

The phenomenon of hackable cars in Spain it is a clear sign that the digital transformation of the sector must be accompanied by a robust cybersecurity strategy.

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Apolo Cybersecurity: comprehensive protection for connected environments

At Apolo Cybersecurity, we help organizations in the technology, industrial and mobility sectors to assess and reduce their exposure to cyberattacks by:

• Security audits and vulnerability analysis.
• Assessment of the attack surface in IoT environments.
• Continuous monitoring through SOC 24/7.
• Design of incident response plans.
• Strategic support in regulatory compliance.

If your company operates in connected environments or manages critical digital assets, now is the time to assess your actual level of exposure.