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Ask Slashdot: Buying a Car That's Safe From Hackers?

An anonymous reader writes: I'm in the market for a new car, and I've been going through the typical safety checklist: airbag coverage, crash test results, collision mitigation systems, etc. Unfortunately, it seems 2015 is the year we really have to add a new one to the list: hackability. Over the past several weeks we've seen security researchers remotely cut a Corvette's brakes, shut down a Tesla's computer, unlock a bunch of cars, intercept Onstar, and take over a Jeep from 10 miles away.

So, how do we go about buying a car with secure systems? An obvious answer would be to buy a car with limited or archaic computer control — but doing so probably comes with the trade-off of losing other modern safety technology. Is there a way to properly evaluate whether one car's systems are more secure than another's? Most safety standards are the result of strict regulation — is it time for the government to roll out legislation that will enforce safety standards for car computers as well?

2 of 373 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Classic FUD by avandesande · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I am a nobody and have had my car (toyota/lexus) broken into because of the key fob amplifier exploit. This effects ordinary people too.

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    love is just extroverted narcissism
  2. Re:65 VW Bug by Technician · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'd be more interested in an added toggle switch that would power down all RF modems including bluetooth,hands free entry, etc. When in a target rich environment such as attending Defcon, the car could enter radio silence. A physical key should still work.

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    The truth shall set you free!