Celebrities should not be claiming they live under fascism while attending a film festival with a private security detail, actor Jamie Kennedy stated this week.

Kennedy, a staple in Hollywood who has starred in the “Scream” franchise and made appearances in hit shows like “Entourage,” called out Hollywood celebrities over their constant description of the United States as an authoritarian state.

‘Let’s adhere to the laws of what we have, right? Get rid of criminals.’

Kennedy hopped on to Tuesday’s episode of the “Trying Not To Die” podcast hosted by Jack Osbourne, son of late rockstar Ozzy Osbourne.

A self-proclaimed “tired” Kennedy said he has become fed up with Hollywood elites preaching against Immigration and Customs Enforcement from exotic locations.

“People are protesting ICE. OK. And I understand the situation is, it’s a crazy situation. But when you have actors from the red carpet of an award show at the Beverly Hilton — I’m talking about all of them — and they’re on there saying all of this stuff about, ‘We’re under a fascist regime. We’re in authoritarianism,’ bro!” Kennedy exclaimed in disbelief. “It’s insanity.”

Kennedy pointed to celebrities at film festivals who are heckling from behind the safety of armed guards.

“You can’t say you’re under authoritarian rule when you’re literally being authoritarian. You can’t say from the f**king back of, like, 20 MMA Secret Service agents that are protecting you.”

Osbourne jumped in, adding that if the celebrities were actually living under “an authoritarian government,” they “wouldn’t be able to say” their piece.

RELATED: Two ‘I’ agencies, one Democratic double standard

The 55-year-old Kennedy begged celebrities to “get on the front lines” and away from the Sundance Film Festival if they care so much about current events. He was likely referencing Hollywood elites making extreme statements about ICE in January, which included actor Edward Norton comparing the agency to the “gestapo.”

The Sundance attendees even broke from their festivities for a 10-minute protest at one point.

“You’re protesting the people that are trying to, in theory, they’re basically just trying to get rid of the criminals. Is it a perfect system? No! But I’m not there. But basically, let’s adhere to the laws of what we have, right? Get rid of criminals.”

Kennedy wondered how certain celebrities could justify calling the police when they are in danger since they are consistently denigrating law enforcement.

“What I’m just saying is, like, people haven’t got a taste of the whole world to understand how good we have it in this country,” Kennedy added. He then asked celebrities to “shut the f**k up!”

Immigration and documentation

Citing a recent poll, Osbourne said that over 60% of Americans are in favor of how ICE is operating, in spite of what “the news is throwing” at them. “It’s definitely more than that,” Osbourne said, revealing the polling was from a left-wing source.

After showcasing extensive knowledge in law enforcement and firearms, Osbourne came out against illegal immigration, saying “absolutely” to the idea that a swath of criminals were let in during the Biden administration, when millions of immigrants poured across the border illegally.

Osbourne, originally from London, said he did not think it was fair for illegal immigrants to skip the process he and others have gone through. This included a lengthy visa process, 10 years with a green card, and a citizenship test, he explained.

RELATED: ‘Cosby Show’ actress on disgraced former boss: ‘Separate the creator from the creation’

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for EJAF

Hollywood homeless

The two men spent significant time discussing the conditions of Los Angeles and Hollywood, particularly as it pertains to taxation and homelessness.

“There’s not just bodies in the street, bro. It looks like they’re dead,” Kennedy explained, adding that he has seen people using heroin in broad daylight.

“We have to use common sense because the psychos have taken over,” he said.

Osbourne shared his own stories, saying that his children go to a school that is mere feet from a homeless encampment under a bridge that he has complained about numerous times. The podcaster was baffled at the conditions near the school due to the sheer amount he pays in taxes.

“No one’s going to change,” he said of California’s elites. “And it comes down to the fires. Didn’t the fires teach you that?”

Osbourne then offered the following conclusion about woke celebrities: “Half these people at the f**king awards, all their houses burned to the ground because of f**king stupid people in charge,” yet they are still playing along.

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​News, Immigration, Homeless, Los angeles, Celebrities, Hollywood, Film festival, Sundance film festival, Border, Ice, Illegal immigration, Politics 

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas is taking aim at late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert for pulling an interview with her opponent.

Colbert lashed out at President Donald Trump after CBS pulled an interview with James Talarico, another Democratic candidate running for Senate against Crockett, citing new FCC guidelines. While Colbert pointed the finger at the government, Crockett was quick to push back on the narrative, insisting that the federal government had nothing to do with the decision to pull Talarico’s interview.

‘This was because of a fear that the FCC may say something to them.’

“We did receive information suggesting that the federal government did not shut down the segment, number one,” Crockett said.

“That is my understanding that the federal government did not shut this down, and we will do an official statement once we get another official statement that we anticipate is going to be coming from Paramount,” Crockett added. “So we will read what they say, and then we’ll go from there.”

RELATED: Stephen Colbert melts down after CBS pulls interview with Democrat just months before his show ends

Photo by Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images

Crockett’s assessment was counter to CBS’ official statement, which claimed that Colbert’s show was “provided legal guidance” by the FCC.

“The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled,” the statement read. “THE LATE SHOW decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr reiterated these guidelines in late January, reminding networks of their “obligation” to provide candidates equal airtime.

“For years, legacy TV networks assumed that their late night & daytime talk shows qualify as ‘bona fide news’ programs — even when motivated by purely partisan political purposes,” Carr said in a post on X. “Today, the FCC reminded them of their obligation to provide all candidates with equal opportunities.”

RELATED: Trump says Colbert is to blame for his show’s cancellation — but adds Kimmel and Fallon are next

Bob Daemmrich/The Texas Tribune/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As CBS’ statement said, Colbert opted to post the interview on social media rather than broadcasting it live on the program in order to work around the FCC’s new guidance requiring shows to provide competing candidates equal time on air. Although Crockett has been on Colbert’s show multiple times, she noted that she “did not get a request” to appear on his show.

“It is our understanding that Colbert, either Mr. Colbert or CBS, decided that they just didn’t want to air it,” Crockett said of the Talarico interview. “And this was because of a fear that the FCC may say something to them and that there may have been advice to just have me on and then they could clear the issue.”

“It was my understanding that someone somewhere decided we just don’t want to do that and instead, we’re going to just do it this way.”

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​Stephen colbert, Fcc, Cbs, Brendan carr, Donald trump, James talarico, Jasmine crockett, Senate democrats, Texas, Texas primary, Democrat primary, 2026 primary, Equal time, Politics 

A trio of armed robbers ran headlong into bad luck last week when their plot to steal a victim’s watch during what was supposed to be an in-person sale was thwarted after the victim’s gun-toting uncle saw the crime unfolding and opened fire, police in Texas said.

Mark Herman, Precinct 4 Constable of Harris County, described what went down during a news conference; his remarks begin just before the 14-minute mark.

‘Why would you go meet someone you don’t know to try to sell something in a parking lot?’

Herman said the victim was attempting to sell his watch and agreed to meet the buyer around 8 p.m. Thursday outside a Costco in the 26940 block of Northwest Freeway. The location is in Cypress, which is about 30 minutes northwest of Houston.

But the buyer had no intention of paying for the watch. Instead, he brought two other people with him, and they ended up pulling guns on the victim in an attempt to rob him, Herman said.

While they ended up taking the watch, Herman said the victim’s uncle walked out of the Costco, saw the robbery happening, and opened fire.

In fact, Herman said the uncle ended up shooting two of the three suspects before they all fled the scene.

Two of the suspects — ages 17 and 18 — were hospitalized, Herman said, adding that one of them had surgery, and both are expected to survive. Herman said aggravated robbery charges will be filed against both of them.

The third suspect — age 16 — also was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and turned over to juvenile authorities.

Police said multiple firearms as well as the stolen property were recovered during the investigation.

RELATED: Concealed carrier delivers swift justice when Chicago thugs allegedly approach him — and one pulls gun, demands his property

KRIV-TV’s video report indicated that it’s not known if the uncle came with his nephew for the transaction or if he just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

In the end, Herman cautioned against such in-person transactions — even when they’re in public places, noting “how much more public can you get” than outside a Costco.

“Why would you go meet someone you don’t know to try to sell something in a parking lot?” Herman noted during the news conference. “Why even put yourself in that position?”

He added that there have been cases in which strangers come to houses for transactions — and “now they know where you live.”

“Don’t do it,” Herman warned, adding that “for a few hundred dollars you’re risking your life” and that “it’s all common sense.”

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​Crime thwarted, Texas, Uncle, Defending others, Defending family, Arrests, Watch sale gone wrong, Costco, Harris county constable precinct 4, Cypress, Crime 

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) is laying out two stark options to close the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget gap: raise taxes on high earners and corporations or increase property taxes.

During his preliminary budget presentation, Mamdani framed the first option as “the most sustainable and the fairest path,” calling for “ending the drain on our city and raising taxes on the richest New Yorkers and the most profitable corporations.”

‘There is no third option of failing to balance the budget’

But he warned that this path depends on cooperation from Albany and Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“If we do not go down the first path,” Mamdani said, “the city will be forced down a second, more harmful path. … We would have to raise property taxes.”

The mayor acknowledged that New York City’s property tax system is “broken,” but emphasized that it is currently the only tax that the city has the authority to raise on its own.

RELATED: ‘F**king mess’: Zohran Mamdani fails first major test as filth piles up on city streets

Photo by Stephani Spindel/VIEWpress via Getty Images

“What I am showcasing to New Yorkers is that there is one tax the city can raise,” he said. “It is a broken property tax system. We do not want to do so. … We want to work with Albany to ensure that we resolve this fiscal crisis by addressing the structural roots of it.”

Mamdani described a property tax increase as a “last resort,” stressing that the city is legally required to balance its budget — a mandate that dates back to the fiscal crisis of the 1970s, when New York City was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy.

RELATED: Zohran Mamdani’s Soviet dream for New York City

Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

“There is no third option of failing to balance the budget,” he said.

“This is something that we do not want to do,” Mamdani said, “and this is something that we are going to utilize every single option to ensure does not come to pass.”

If Albany does not approve higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations, Mamdani said the city could be forced to raise property taxes by a staggering 9.5%.

Hochul is opposed to raising property taxes.

“I’m not supportive of a property tax increase,” she said at a press conference in Manhattan this week. “I don’t know that that’s necessary, but let’s find out what is really necessary to close that gap.”

The message is clear: If the state doesn’t act, homeowners and commercial property owners could pay the price.

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​Politics, Mamdani, Nyc, New york, New york city, Tax plan 

The world’s richest man shared a candid moment in his religious journey this week on social media, much to the surprise and excitement of many Christian commentators.

On Tuesday afternoon, Elon Musk made a surprise admission under a post about “evangelizing” the multibillionaire.

‘I agree with the teachings of Jesus.’

“Someone needs to evangelize Elon Musk,” the original post said. “Who will lead him to Christ?”

Musk’s reply generated more than twice the engagement as the first post, climbing close to four million views by Wednesday morning.

RELATED: Large mural in memory of Iryna Zarutska painted in downtown Las Vegas — and paid for by Elon Musk

Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

“I agree with the teachings of Jesus,” Musk commented.

This prompted responses from many Christian politicians and political commentators, many of whom encouraged him to take the next step in his journey.

BlazeTV’s “Fearless” host, Jason Whitlock, wrote: “Thanks for saying this. It’s a start.”

Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire wrote, “Always a good thing to do! But if one of Jesus’ teachings — and a teaching he repeats — is that he is God, what does that imply for our own lives and actions?”

One prominent account backed up Knowles’ point, adding, “This is the leap of faith that most people agreeing with Jesus’s teaching won’t take. It’s a metaphysical commitment.”

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) offered his encouragement to Musk: “He lives. He loves. He redeems.”

“We are all sons and daughters of the King,” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) added.

“Agreement is a short step away from belief, and then faith will follow,” Frontier magazine contributor and poet Joseph Massey said.

The original poster, the Art of Purpose, left a comment under Musk’s reply that summed up many of the responses well: “Brother you are so close. I’m rooting for you.”

While Musk’s most recent comment made waves on social media, this is not the first time Musk has suggested that he at least accepts the teachings of Christ.

Musk told Jordan Peterson in a July 2024 interview that he was a “cultural Christian” and that “the teachings of Jesus are good and wise,” according to UnHerd.

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​Politics, Elon musk, Christianity, Christ, Musk, Jason whitlock, Fearless, Michael knowles, Mike lee, Nancy mace, Jordan peterson, Catholic 

Tricia McLaughlin, an unflappable 31-year-old defender of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, announced on Tuesday that she is stepping down as Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary.

One DHS official told the New York Times that McLaughlin — a former top communications aide to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) and ABC News contributor — had made plans to leave the agency in December but, feeling duty-bound, stuck it out for several more months to lend her support amid backlash over the fatal shootings of anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement radicals Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

‘Your boos mean nothing.’

McLaughlin told the Cincinnati Enquirer last month that she wanted to return to Cincinnati with her husband, Republican political strategist Benjamin Yoho, to start their family. Yoho and McLaughlin tied the knot in August.

She noted further that with regard to running for office or getting involved in local politics, she “wouldn’t rule anything out.”

In a statement on Tuesday, McLaughlin expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and the American people, claiming that it has been an “honor and privilege to serve this great nation.”

RELATED: LA thug who hurled concrete chunks at federal agents learns the hard way that actions have consequences

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Image

“I am immensely proud of the team we built and the historic accomplishments achieved by this Administration and the Department of Homeland Security,” added McLaughlin.

McLaughlin noted further that Lauren Bis, who has been working as deputy assistant secretary for media relations, will take over as assistant secretary for public affairs and that Katie Zacharia — a commentator on Fox News and Newsmax — will step into the role of both DHS spokeswoman and deputy assistant secretary.

Noem said that McLaughlin “has served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism” and “played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to secure the homeland and keep Americans safe.” Noem added that she was “sad to see her leave.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt similarly expressed sorrow to see McLaughlin leave and lauded the young woman for being “a strong and fearless voice on behalf of President Trump and the brave men and women of federal law enforcement.”

Republicans and others happy with the work the DHS has done in making good on Trump’s promises to the American people thanked McLaughlin for her service. Democrats, however, attacked her.

New Jersey Rep. Rob Menendez (D), for instance, wrote, “Hope you have time to reflect on all the harm & damage you caused, all the bs [sic] spin that came directly from you, & all the reputations you tarnished including the memories of dead Americans.”

Menendez — the son of disgraced former Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez (N.J.) and a champion of illegal aliens who has supported legislation that would repeal the Alien Enemies Act, limit immigration enforcement actions, and defund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — noted further that he hopes McLaughlin’s work for the DHS “haunts” her for the remainder of her career.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries branded McLaughlin “another MAGA extremist” and suggested she had been “forced out of DHS.”

McLaughlin didn’t let such remarks get to her in the past.

On Jan. 1, McLaughlin shared a “Rick and Morty” meme captioned, “Your boos mean nothing[.] I’ve seen what makes you cheer.”

A DHS official told the Times that the young woman demonized by Democrats — including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Rep. Dan Goldman (N.Y.) — has, along with her family, been deluged with threats.

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​Tricia mclaughlin, Department of homeland security, Dhs, Homeland security, Kristi noem, Renee good, Alex pretti, Trump administration, Politics 

Two three-letter agencies beginning with “I” show how differently Democrats view enforcement. When it comes to ICE, any enforcement is too much. When it comes to the IRS, no amount can be too much.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement administers U.S. immigration law. The Internal Revenue Service administers U.S. federal tax law. In neither case do these agencies make the law. Congress writes the laws, and the president signs them. The agencies simply enforce what has been enacted.

Democrats act as if illegal entry earns indefinite permission to stay. No one would tell tax evaders they can stop paying indefinitely.

Yet Democrats want to abolish ICE for enforcing immigration law and to bolster the IRS for enforcing tax law.

Consider the contrast. A growing chorus of Democrats now demands ICE be abolished, just as these Democrats called for defunding the police. Meanwhile, just months into his term, President Biden proposed doubling the size of the IRS, increasing its funding by $80 billion, and hiring 87,000 new IRS agents. Democrats delivered much of that in the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act, with almost 60% of the nearly $80 billion aimed at audits.

ICE targets those breaking U.S. immigration law. Everyone with income is subject to IRS review, and many are audited. The first group is a subset of the population; the second is essentially the entire adult population. Democrats oppose scrutinizing noncitizens living here illegally, but they welcome more scrutiny of U.S. citizens.

The penalties differ just as sharply. The Department of Homeland Security currently offers to pay for a flight home and $2,600 for those in the country illegally who choose to self-deport. If they refuse and are found to be here illegally, ICE deports them. The duration of illegal presence does not add penalties. In fact, the longer someone has been here illegally, the more Democrats argue he should be allowed to stay.

The IRS treats duration very differently. Unpaid taxes accrue penalties and interest that multiply over time. The IRS can garnish wages and seize assets, including homes, cars, and businesses. It also has imprisonment in its arsenal.

Families factor in differently too. Democrats routinely argue that deportations are wrong because they hurt families. Yet IRS prosecution and punishment also hurt families, often severely, and that fact does not seem to trouble Democrats.

Intent is another difference. Many people here illegally know they are here illegally, and many fail to show for immigration hearings. By contrast, many tax problems begin as mistakes. Yet the money is still owed, and the IRS will move to collect when it discovers the error.

RELATED: The new activism looks a lot like mental illness

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Democrats also argue that illegal immigrants bolster the economy because they work and add value to GDP, even if they are not paying taxes. But the same is true of someone who evades taxes: He works, adds value, and withholds what he owes.

No one argues that tax evaders should be left alone. They broke the law. If they did so deliberately, they deserve little sympathy. Allowing tax dodging encourages more of it.

Yet Democrats say almost exactly the opposite about those who break immigration law, including those who break other U.S. laws as well. They have gone to great lengths to defend them, even traveling to El Salvador in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an accused gang member and human trafficker.

Democrats act as if illegal entry earns indefinite permission to stay. No one would tell tax evaders they can stop paying indefinitely.

Imagine sanctuary jurisdictions shielding taxpayers from the IRS. Imagine local authorities refusing to cooperate with federal tax collectors. Imagine Republicans storming federal prisons holding those convicted of tax fraud. Imagine conservatives building databases to track IRS agents. The backlash would be immediate and rightly so.

Tax evasion is not treated as a persuasive argument about tax policy. Illegal immigration, however, gets treated by Democrats and the establishment press as if lawbreaking itself settles the immigration debate.

On enforcement, Democrats apply two standards: one for immigration law and one for tax law. That is what hypocrisy looks like.

​Opinion & analysis, Internal revenue service, Irs, Immigration and customs enforcement, Ice, Democrats, Congress, Hypocrisy, Double standards, Sanctuary cities, Tax evasion, One big beautiful bill, Inflation reduction act 

Back in January 2024, BlazeTV host Jason Whitlock made a prediction that ESPN sports critic Stephen A. Smith was quietly laying the foundation for a 2028 presidential bid. Whitlock hypothesized that Smith’s 2023 book — “Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes,” which he argued was uncannily similar to Barack Obama’s 1995 memoir “Dreams from My Father” — was the first step in his long-term plan to transition into the political arena.

Fast-forward three years after his book’s publication, and now Smith is openly teasing and seriously considering a potential run. Even though no formal declaration of candidacy has been made, multiple news outlets describe him as moving closer to a bid.

“Over the weekend, it became more crystal clear that I was right two years ago and that Stephen A. Smith is running for president,” said Whitlock on a recent episode of “Fearless.”

He warns that everyone who is rolling their eyes at the prospect of a President Smith, saying things like, “he’ll never win,” are having the wool pulled over their eyes yet again.

Smith, he argues, isn’t some organically grown would-be politician but rather the next “clown” being deliberately “installed” to push the left’s agenda. His recent CBS profile is proof, he says.

“I want to show you the cleverness and the sneakiness of what they’re pulling off through Stephen A. Smith,” says Whitlock. “I keep saying this. People are into the position like … ‘Yeah, he may run, but he’ll never win,’ and I say not so fast.”

“Why would you be so sure?” he asks. “They’ve been pulling off this scam and trick for a hundred years. They’ve been installing puppets and clowns in high positions for a hundred years.”

To hear Whitlock’s theory about how Stephen A. Smith is being covertly installed into D.C. politics right before our very eyes, check out the episode above.

Want more from Jason Whitlock?

To enjoy more fearless conversations at the crossroads of culture, faith, sports, and comedy with Jason Whitlock, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

​Fearless, Fearless with jason whitlock, Jason whitlock, Blazetv, Blaze media, Stephen a smith, Espn 

Every year, cars become smarter, more connected, and more convenient. But that convenience comes with a hidden cost. Hackers are no longer focused only on computers and smartphones. Modern vehicles are rolling networks — gateways to your personal data, your finances, and in some cases, even physical control of the car itself. This threat is real, and most drivers are only beginning to understand how exposed they’ve become.

Today’s vehicles rely on complex software and constant connectivity. Features like remote start, navigation, hands-free driving, and vehicle tracking make life easier, but they also create new attack surfaces. A single weak link — a compromised app, outdated software, or a hacked key fob — can give criminals access to sensitive information, or worse.

The vehicle is tricked into believing a valid key fob is present, disabling the immobilizer and unlocking the doors in minutes.

This isn’t science fiction. In 2015, cybersecurity researchers demonstrated that hackers could remotely disable a Jeep while it was being driven on a highway. That incident triggered a nationwide recall and forced automakers to take vehicle cybersecurity seriously. Since then, attacks have grown more sophisticated, targeting not just vehicle controls but personal data, financial information, and location tracking.

Remote risk

At the center of every modern vehicle is the electronic control unit. Most cars contain multiple ECUs, controlling everything from braking and steering to door locks and infotainment systems. If a hacker gains access, the consequences can range from stolen data to direct manipulation of vehicle functions. While dramatic remote-control scenarios grab headlines, the most common real-world threats involve identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized tracking of a driver’s movements.

Hackers can gain access in several ways. Physical access is one method — such as plugging an infected USB device into a vehicle’s data port. Key fobs, especially older designs, can be cloned or exploited using devices that capture and replay their signals, allowing thieves to unlock and start a car without the original key.

Phoning it in

Smartphone apps introduce another layer of risk. A compromised phone can become a bridge into the vehicle and everything stored on the device. Telematics systems, which collect and transmit data about vehicle location and usage, can also be targeted by cybercriminals.

Law enforcement is seeing a rise in thefts using CAN bus injection attacks, particularly involving Toyota SUVs like the Land Cruiser and 4Runner. In these cases, criminals access wiring through headlights or taillights and connect a disguised electronic device. The vehicle is tricked into believing a valid key fob is present, disabling the immobilizer and unlocking the doors in minutes. These attacks bypass traditional security measures and show how vulnerable even modern “smart” key systems can be.

Automakers are responding with stronger cybersecurity tools, including encrypted communications, intrusion detection systems, and software updates. But drivers still play a critical role. Use only manufacturer-approved apps, keep your vehicle’s software up to date, and regularly review which devices and accounts have access to your car. Remove old devices and unnecessary permissions as soon as possible.

RELATED: How automakers are quietly locking you out of your own car

NurPhoto | Getty Images

Physical deterrents

There are also practical steps drivers can take to reduce risk. Using a virtual private network on devices that connect to your vehicle can help mask data traffic and limit exposure if a device is compromised. Physical deterrents still matter as well. Police often recommend visible tools like steering wheel locks, which can prevent theft even when electronic security is bypassed. Toyota, for example, offers a bright red steering wheel lock with four-point steel contact — an unmistakable signal that a vehicle isn’t an easy target.

Criminals increasingly use signal relay devices to capture and extend a key fob’s signal, tricking a car into thinking the key is nearby. Blocking that signal can stop the attack. Drivers can protect themselves by:

Storing key fobs in Faraday bags, pouches, or boxes that block radio signals; Wrapping key fobs in aluminum foil as a temporary, low-cost solution; Keeping fobs in metal containers, such as tins or lockboxes, at home; Disabling the keyless entry signal when possible, according to the owner’s manual; Manually locking the vehicle with a physical key when available; and Avoiding third-party devices plugged into the OBD port, including insurance dongles, which can create security vulnerabilities.

The era of connected cars offers real convenience, but it also demands greater awareness. A hacked vehicle isn’t just a transportation problem — it’s a digital, financial, and safety issue. Staying informed, practicing basic cybersecurity habits, and taking simple protective steps can dramatically reduce risk. Cars may be smarter than ever, but keeping them secure still depends on the driver.

​Lifestyle, Ev mandate, Hackers, Align cars