According to a recent report from cyber-security experts at RSA, in today’s increasingly computerized world, cyber-crime issues "comprise a threat horizon that continues to accelerate and expand with no end in sight". Since much the same can be said about the growth of computing power in today’s vehicles -- which rely on technology for everything from 3D navigation graphics to semi-autonomous driving capabilities -- the risks for having your car or truck hacked would seem to be on the rise as well. But should current drivers be worried about the issue right now, or is it time to pump the… [Continue Reading]
Can hackers get into the driver’s seat in autonomous vehicles? The short answer here is a resounding "Yes!" Just last year, researchers/hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek exploited a security issue with the mobile Wi-Fi system available in some Fiat-Chrysler products: They demonstrated they could use a laptop to take control of key vehicle systems in a Jeep Cherokee. Not only were they able to change the audio volume, adjust the air conditioning, and turn on the windshield wipers, they gained control over the transmission -- bringing the vehicle to a stop on the highway. Luckily, it was all part… [Continue Reading]
Modern-day computers began trickling into the auto industry with cars like the 1971 Chrysler Imperial, which was one of the first to offer anti-lock brakes controlled by an electronic sensor system. Some 45 years later, the growth in computer-based car technology shows no signs of stopping. A number of Chevy vehicles, for instance, will provide you with a standard mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and 4G LTE connectivity for less than $20,000. And for folks who can afford a Tesla, that brand's "Autopilot" nearly lives up to its name. But as we've seen in other fields, as the potential benefits of connectivity… [Continue Reading]