Modern automobiles vulnerable at hacker attacks
 Computer scientists alert that automobiles, which will be increasingly connected to the Internet in the near future, could be vulnerable to hacker attacks.
In paper “Experimental Security Analysis of a Modern Automobile” they presented the way they were able to remotely control braking and other automobiles functions (as stopping the engine), while completely ignoring driver input. Also, they report that little thought has been given to the potential threat of hackers who may want to take over the networks that control modern cars. If hacker could gain access to those networks, he would be able to circumvent a wide variety of systems critical to the safety of drivers and passengers. The researchers also demonstrated that there is a way of inserting malicious software, called composite attacks, which would erase all evidence of an attack. Particular threats come from wireless connections used in services like the OnStar system that report vehicle position and diagnostic information to the manufacturer. That system could be abused for remotely unlocking of cars. The researches highlight that manufacturers should explore the general issue of the safety of computerized systems, and not only the issues related to network security. More detailed problem description could be found at New York Times web site. |
