Danger! Hackers Can Pwn Your Car

[JMH]

If you think that texting while driving is your biggest vehicle-related tech concern, a new report from McAfee may make you think twice. It seems that with each passing model year cars get more and more high tech. Unfortunately, the benefits of the technology come with increased risk that hackers can find and exploit security holes and wreak havoc with your car.

The car used to be a purely mechanical contraption. Now there are onboard computers and embedded systems that constantly monitor and adjust various aspects to optimize power and fuel efficiency. Power seats, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability controls, GPS navigation, communication systems and more all rely on software. We even have vehicles now that will automatically stop even if you don't react fast enough, or that can parallel park to squeeze your car into tight spots without your help.

Danger! Hackers Can Pwn Your Car | PCWorld Business Center

 

[seekermeister]

I don't even like the computers used to control emmissions and performance that have been around for years. When it comes to autos, I would like to leave computers out of them.

 

[Phone Man]

This is all theory, they have not actually hacked into any autos.

Jim

 

[Zepher]

This is all theory, they have not actually hacked into any autos.

Jim

Scientists Hack Into Cars' Computers -- Control Brakes, Engine - ABC News

 

[Mual]

Wow, never know that this could really happen...

 

[Phone Man]

This is all theory, they have not actually hacked into any autos.

Jim

Scientists Hack Into Cars' Computers -- Control Brakes, Engine - ABC News

One group used a physical connection to hack into the autos system.
But they can't control anything remotely.
The other group was able to hack into the tire pressure wireless system to send false readings. Here is a quote from the second group.

Hacking into a vehicle's central computer wirelessly via the tire-pressure monitor system and taking control "is something we're not able to do right now," Gruteser says. "But we can't rule out that it's possible. Our goal is to raise awareness for consumers before this becomes an actual risk. Hopefully, they will then request from car companies more secure devices."

I don't see a reason to panic but I agree the automakers need to be vigilant with the design of these systems.

Jim

 

[LiquidSnak]

In May, a team of researchers reported that they succeeded in hacking into the onboard computer networks that controlled the engine, brakes, and door locks, among other systems. This latter study was done physically – not wirelessly – by connecting into a vehicle's computers.

You have to either open the hood or be in the car physically to do that right now. I doubt that important signals will ever be transmitted over wireless, however. Way too much liability.

 

[Zepher]

In May, a team of researchers reported that they succeeded in hacking into the onboard computer networks that controlled the engine, brakes, and door locks, among other systems. This latter study was done physically – not wirelessly – by connecting into a vehicle's computers.

You have to either open the hood or be in the car physically to do that right now. I doubt that important signals will ever be transmitted over wireless, however. Way too much liability.

Onstar has the capability to disable a moving vehicle wirelessly

 

[Phone Man]

In May, a team of researchers reported that they succeeded in hacking into the onboard computer networks that controlled the engine, brakes, and door locks, among other systems. This latter study was done physically – not wirelessly – by connecting into a vehicle's computers.

You have to either open the hood or be in the car physically to do that right now. I doubt that important signals will ever be transmitted over wireless, however. Way too much liability.

Onstar has the capability to disable a moving vehicle wirelessly

But has Onstar ever been hacked? I would think they have very good security on that system.

Jim

 

[Maguscreed]

Even if it was hacked, you'd be randomly dealing with millions of cars to unlock, unlocking or controlling any specific one would probably be rather difficult.
Anyhow, people with that level of skill should be making hundreds of dollars an hour as IT security consultants. Stealing cars would just be a waste of their talents and not really net that much more money.

 

[seekermeister]

Perhaps I have watched too much TV, but something of this sort could be used for something far more nefarious than auto theft.

 

[Maguscreed]

Perhaps I have watched too much TV, but something of this sort could be used for something far more nefarious than auto theft.

As of the moment it's still not possible to actually 'remote control' the vehicle the required servos and motors simply don't exists. The best they can do is unlock/lock the doors and trunk, and start/stop the engine.

Actually moving the vehicle still requires a person behind the wheel.

Though I suppose on a couple of specific models it might be possible to actually bleed out the brake fluid through the computer.

 

[seekermeister]

Regardless, I'm glad my vehicle doesn't have OnStar. I would rather risk auto theft than having them being able to locate and control my vehicle.

 

[Maguscreed]

I just don't like the idea of being watched all the time. I use a cell phone so basic it's not even touch screen... or equipped with a full keyboard.

Don't really need more anyhow, there's a computer in every room of this house and damn near every place I go.

 

[Zepher]

Perhaps I have watched too much TV, but something of this sort could be used for something far more nefarious than auto theft.

As of the moment it's still not possible to actually 'remote control' the vehicle the required servos and motors simply don't exists. The best they can do is unlock/lock the doors and trunk, and start/stop the engine.

Actually moving the vehicle still requires a person behind the wheel.

Though I suppose on a couple of specific models it might be possible to actually bleed out the brake fluid through the computer.

A lot of cars are starting to use electric power steering motors as well as electronic throttle bodies. only thing left on the cheaper cars is fully electronic automatic transmissions.

What would happen if someone hacked the Onstar system and then disabled all of the cars around 7am EST on a weekday. It would be major chaos.

 

[Maguscreed]

I seriously doubt the system is even designed with that capability.
If it is, that's scary just in and of itself.
You are talking world wide here....

 

[lehnerus2000]

DigiNotar, anybody?

But has Onstar ever been hacked? I would think they have very good security on that system.

Jim

Like Sony or worse DigiNotar? :shock:

Even if it was hacked, you'd be randomly dealing with millions of cars to unlock, unlocking or controlling any specific one would probably be rather difficult.

Ideal for conspiracies.

Terrorism?
Cause a 1000 MVAs during the "Rush Hour".
Massive congestion would prevent the cops or emergency services from responding to incidents.
Hospitals would be overloaded.

Anyhow, people with that level of skill should be making hundreds of dollars an hour as IT security consultants. Stealing cars would just be a waste of their talents and not really net that much more money.

Presumably cyber-criminals make more money illegally, than they do at their "day jobs".

 

[Layback Bear]

Yes their are cars with electric power steering motors controlled using a cpu.
Yes their are cars that the throttle has no cable, it's controlled with a electric motor controlled with a cpu. They are called Fords.

 

[seekermeister]

Good reason to go Chevy.

 

[Zepher]

Yes their are cars with electric power steering motors controlled using a cpu.
Yes their are cars that the throttle has no cable, it's controlled with a electric motor controlled with a cpu. They are called Fords.

Good reason to go Chevy.

and GM (which includes Chevy), Toyota, Lexus, and others have them as well.
Our 07 Cobalt SS has electric steering and drive by wire but no Onstar.