Hyundai Car Stolen in Under 20 Seconds Due to Security Flaw
Cybersecurity expert's car theft caught on camera raises alarms over keyless entry vulnerabilities and surging car thefts in the UK.
Watan-A Hyundai Ioniq 5 — one of the brand’s most popular electric car models — was stolen in a matter of seconds. The incident, which occurred in the UK, was recorded by cybersecurity expert Elliott Ingram, whose home surveillance camera captured a thief stealing his Ioniq 5 in under 20 seconds, according to a report by The Guardian.
It’s likely the thief used a special device available online that can replicate the car’s digital key. Ingram found such a device being sold for $16,000 online — capable of unlocking the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and several other models.
This device is based on a design resembling a Nintendo Game Boy and can operate in both English and Russian. The selling website claims it records the car’s signal within 10 seconds to 2 minutes, stores the key in its memory, and then accurately reproduces the original signal to unlock the vehicle.
This is the latest in a string of car theft incidents, prompting many car owners to resort to steering wheel locks as a precaution. Although the Ioniq 5 was recovered by police, Ingram now wants to terminate his lease and is demanding compensation from Hyundai, arguing that the Korean automaker should have warned customers about this security vulnerability.
Keyless Car Theft Soars Amid Industry Warnings and Hyundai Criticism
Car thefts in England and Wales rose from 70,053 in March 2014 to 129,127 in March 2024 — an 84% increase (Reuters).
Hyundai promotes its smart digital keys, which allow drivers to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles simply by carrying the digital key. While the technology includes several security features, thieves have reportedly found ways to bypass them.
The Observer reported last year that car manufacturers ignored warnings issued more than a decade ago that keyless entry systems could lead to a sharp rise in car theft. Experts warned these systems can be easily hacked, allowing thieves to steal cars without breaking windows or using traditional tools.
Ingram, 38, said Hyundai warned him about other modifications his car needed, but failed to mention that its security systems could be compromised. He plans to file a complaint against the company unless he is compensated, citing a violation of consumer rights law.
In a letter to Hyundai, Ingram wrote:“The thief was able to access and steal the car in seconds. If I had been warned about this specific vulnerability, I would have taken additional safety measures, like installing a secondary immobilizer or using a steering wheel lock.”
He emphasized that car manufacturers should urgently notify customers about vulnerabilities and how to prevent theft to avoid others falling victim.
Hyundai responded that this is a broader automotive industry issue involving organized criminal groups using electronic devices to bypass smart key systems illegally. The company said it is cooperating with police to learn more about these devices and to track stolen vehicles where possible.
Hyundai Responds to Theft Surge with Software Updates, No Recalls
Hyundai added that its vehicles meet all required safety standards and that it is developing its systems to reduce the risk of keyless car theft. Vehicles sold from February 2024 onward include updated systems aimed at lowering such risks.
According to the 2022–2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales, car thefts in the region rose from 70,053 in March 2014 to 129,127 in March 2024 — an 84% increase. Remote-control devices were reportedly used in 40% of these thefts.
The UK government is now working to introduce new laws targeting car theft, including strict measures against users and sellers of car theft devices. Ken Munro, co-founder of cybersecurity firm Pen Test Partners, stated that while automakers continuously improve their car security, a lucrative criminal market keeps finding new ways to exploit technology vulnerabilities.
He said:“A car thief doesn’t need to be a hacking expert — they just need to buy a tool that allows them to break in and steal the car.”
Hyundai said it is working hard to combat these thieves but has no current plans to recall affected vehicles. A company spokesperson stated:“The software and hardware updates we are implementing will significantly reduce the risk of this specific type of theft in the UK.” “However, this is a race against highly determined and well-funded individuals who will stop at nothing to steal vehicles for various purposes.”
