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Report: Automakers Fail To Fully Protect Against Hacking

Posted by samzenpus on from the two-cyber-hands-on-the-wheel dept.

An anonymous reader writes with news about a report by Senator Edward Markey on the security of new vehicles. "Automakers are cramming cars with wireless technology, but they have failed to adequately protect those features against the real possibility that hackers could take control of vehicles or steal personal data, a member of the U.S. Senate is asserting. Basing his argument on information provided by manufacturer, Sen. Edward Markey has concluded that "many in the automotive industry really don't understand what the implications are of moving to this new computer-based era" of the automobile. The Massachusetts Democrat has asked automakers a series of questions about the technologies — and any safeguards against hackers — that may or may not have been built into the latest models of their vehicles. He also asked what protections have been provided to ensure that information computers gather and often transmit wirelessly isn't used in a harmful or invasive manner."

2 of 100 comments (clear)

  1. Automaker just as incompetent as anybody else... by gweihir · · Score: 4, Informative

    ...with regard to IT security. What a shocker. This really is not surprise at all. Hopefully their customers will react a bit less forgiving that the mindless masses that cheer for insecure OSes and applications. But I somehow doubt it.

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    Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
  2. Re:Automaker just as incompetent as anybody else.. by cayenne8 · · Score: 3, Informative
    Well they could go a LONG way in letting users secure their own cars, by allowing a SIMPLE method for de-activating all this un-needed wireless connectivity. I have a phone/gps I don't need my fscking car wired to the fscking internet.

    Lord, I'm really about to start upping my efforts to buy a restored 70's muscle car. No excess computers, nothing connecting to anything, basically a nice beefy engine, a drivetrain, possibly no catalytic converter (depends on the year)...simple and fun to drive.

    Ok, I will update the suspension, and swap out the 8-track for a bit more modern stereo, but seriously, I would rather have a simpler car that just MOVES and is fun. I don't need it to be a connected device that likely transmits far too much information about me and my driving habits for my comfort, and is a target for hackers.

    What customers are actually ASKING for all this shit in cars today? Seriously?

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    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........