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Tesla Model S Has Been Hacked
cartechboy writes: First, it was Chrysler last month with its Uconnect system being hacked while being driven down the road. Now, it's Tesla's turn. That's right, the Silicon Valley automaker's very own Model S electric car has been hacked by two white-hat hackers. The duo were able to manipulate the speedometer, lock and unlock the car, and at speeds of less than 5 mph they were able to make all the electronics go blank and shut down the car while engaging the emergency parking brake dragging the car to a stop. Tesla's already issued a software update that owners can download to path the security flaw. Welcome to the new world where cars can be hacked thanks to all their electronics.
ners can download to path the security flaw.
To protect against cyber threats that would work. To protect against nuclear EMP (since we were talking Fallout)? Not so much. Even 70s and 80s cars use coils and ECUs, and that would get fried. What you need is mechanically injected car with non-electronic control. Some of the early 70s Mercedes would almost work, since they used vacuum to control everything.
When hydraulic brakes were introduced there was concern that if they failed, the driver would have no way to stop the vehicle. So, regulations were added to require every car with hyrdaulic (or electric) brakes to also have an Emergency brake that was totally manual and not connected to the hydraulic system. This was to satisfy FMVSS 105 (now replaced with FMVSS 135):
" Vehicles shall be capable of stopping under partial failure of the service brake system, inoperative brake power assist unit or brake power unit, antilock failure, variable proportioning valve failure, and with the engine off"
There is a maximum distance and pedal pressure specified.
FMVSS 135 also states:
"Each vehicle shall be manufactured with a parking brake system which, when engaged, shall be capable of holding the vehicle stationary on a specified grade for a specified time. "
I have never seen a passenger vehicle with two separate systems, so the Emergency Brake is also the Parking Brake. Or handbrake if you prefer as it is manual brake.
Why would you NOT use the e-brake in an Emergency? You are barrelling down the highway at 70mph when your oil filter lets go. Your engine overheats and fails within seconds. Do you a) do nothing or b) use the ebrake to slow down and pull over? why would you not want to save your own life?
Can we stop calling you guys 'editors', and just get on with 'clowns who post story submissions'.
Because it's quite clear you don't actually, you know, edit.
Lost at C:>. Found at C.