‘Shocking’ lack of security means hackers can disable Mitsubishi Outlander alarm

The Mitsubishi Outlander, a plug-in hybrid vehicle with an electric motor and petrol engine, can easily be hacked through a smartphone app intended to help owners pre-heat the cabin and manage its charging schedule.

The app connects to the car over its Wi-Fi network, and not via a mobile connection to the manufacturer’s server, as is the case with other connected vehicles. This, and its relatively simple default password, makes it easy to hack, according to security researchers from Pen Test Partners.