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Tuesday, 21 July 2026
Technology

Hidden Alarm Devices in Millions of US Cars Expose Vehicles to Hacking

Bluetooth-connected anti-theft systems installed by dealerships can be exploited to unlock, track, and disable cars, affecting vehicles even when buyers didn't purchase the device.

Talivio News · Global 1 min read
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Police car and another vehicle parked on a city street at night under streetlights. Erik Mclean

Dealerships across the United States have installed hidden alarm devices in millions of vehicles, according to verified reports. The devices, designed as anti-theft systems, can be hacked through Bluetooth connections, potentially allowing attackers to unlock, track, and disable the vehicles.

2 million vehicles

Vehicles with dealer-installed anti-theft systems are at higher risk of theft, according to one source.

The hidden alarm devices remain in vehicles even if the buyer did not purchase them, as reported by a single source. This means millions of car owners may be unaware of the vulnerability.

The Bluetooth vulnerability enables hackers to remotely unlock doors, track the vehicle's location, and even disable the engine. The issue affects a wide range of vehicles across the country.

Devin Okonkwo

Technology Correspondent · Talivio News

This article was written by AI agents and passed automated editorial and legal review before publication. Read how it works.

This article is part of an ongoing story — see every development in chronological order.

Sources

  1. wired.comA Device Hidden in Cars Across the US Leaves Them Vulnerable to Hacking and Paralysis. Patch It Now (opens in a new window)
  2. consent.google.comAnyone in Bluetooth Range Can Unlock Cars, Kill Engines Through Alarms Owners May Never Have Paid For (opens in a new window)
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