Computer hackers are accessing cars remotely; controlling the steering wheel and even the brakes while you’re driving. What they’re doing has gotten the attention of Congress.
Mechanics say some new cars have more than 30 computer chips in them. Computer forensics engineers say anyone with a laptop and wireless connection can get into a car’s network.
“Right now, it’s not that hard,” said computer forensics researcher Craig Smith.
Smith says the percentage of modern vehicles that have this as a threat is almost 100 percent.
Once hackers control the car’s language, they can tell it to what to do — like turn the steering wheel, hit the kill switch and even slam on the brakes — all while you’re driving.
“If people aren’t aware of it and if work is not done to help secure vehicles in the same way we secure our servers and cell phones, there could be potential disastrous effects,” said Smith.
Members of Congress heard about the security concerns and at least one member has taken action. In February, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey released a report revealing auto security vulnerabilities — concluding “new plugs are needed to close security gaps in our cars and trucks.”
Senator Markey’s actions now have the attention of automakers. So does Joshua Corman and his not-for-profit agency, I am the Cavalry. Corman and his team developed a five-star automotive cyber safety program he hopes will one day be adopted by the auto industry.
“I think they’re [manufacturers] afraid it will hurt customer confidence to acknowledge that these cars are hackable,” said Corman.
While automakers haven’t directly responded to Corman’s proposal, he says the industry is listening to the debate.
“That is one of the goals, is that it becomes a buyer requirement because ultimately these industries respond to buyer demand,” said Corman.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers — which virtually every major automaker is a member of — recently acknowledged cyber threats and announced plans to address the challenges.
Source: http://ift.tt/1JWMDWn
from hacker samurai http://ift.tt/1ApyEDi
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment