McAfee, a leading provider of security solutions known especially for its anti-virus software, just published the results of a study conducted with Wind River and several other renowned specialists. Apparently, our vehicles are more than ever prone to hacking and other threats.
They backed their claims with a few examples highlighting the challenges that await automakers at a time when technology is a huge selling argument – more than basic features such as heated seats or cup holders.
With integrated technology now commonplace, from the cheapest car to the most luxurious, McAfee wants to alert the industry and general public in order to prevent similar situations in the future.
This isn't unprecedented, mind you. In the 1980s, car thefts skyrocketed when some evil-minded people found a way to bypass the ignition with an electric short circuit. Moreover, the first keyless entry systems could easily be hacked using a universal remote. In both cases, though, the problem was rapidly solved.
Source: Clubic
They backed their claims with a few examples highlighting the challenges that await automakers at a time when technology is a huge selling argument – more than basic features such as heated seats or cup holders.
- Last year, researchers at the University of San Diego and the University of Washington demonstrated that the most important security components can be hacked, using an ordinary laptop and a software called Car Shark.
- By figuring out the Bluetooth access code, the experts managed to access vehicle immobilization services. Any criminal could therefore put a car on ''lockdown'', making it non-operational and easy to rob.
- In Texas, a former dealership employee, still feeling resentment after his firing, successfully deactivated the anti-theft alarm of 100 vehicles and created a ruckus by sounding their horns.
- TomTom, one of the top GPS manufacturers in the world, caused a stir of its own after selling data to Dutch police in an attempt to identify speeding locations and maximize revenues from radars.
With integrated technology now commonplace, from the cheapest car to the most luxurious, McAfee wants to alert the industry and general public in order to prevent similar situations in the future.
This isn't unprecedented, mind you. In the 1980s, car thefts skyrocketed when some evil-minded people found a way to bypass the ignition with an electric short circuit. Moreover, the first keyless entry systems could easily be hacked using a universal remote. In both cases, though, the problem was rapidly solved.
Source: Clubic