[Bustofa]

The following article from 'Computing' may interest members.

"Modern cars' reliance on computer systems makes them vulnerable to cyber attack, which could allow hackers to be disable them remotely, according to a report from McAfee released today.
The report was released in conjunction with mobile software firm Wind River and embedded security firm Escrypt. It stated that on-board safety systems could be hacked, citing a recent demonstration of this.
"Last year, researchers of the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Washington demonstrated that critical safety components of a vehicle can be hacked if physical access to the vehicle's electronic components inside the passenger cabin is available," said the report.
The report added that this type of attack could also be conducted remotely by exploiting the BlueTooth capabilities installed in many modern cars.
"Web-based vehicle-immobilisation systems that can remotely disable a car could be manipulated [by hackers].
"The immobilisation system is meant to be a theft deterrent but could be used maliciously to disable cars belonging to unsuspecting owners," it said.
Privacy issues also arise from the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which are used in car tyres to provide sensor data over wireless short-distance communication to the vehicle.
"The researchers showed that an attack can be mounted by tracking the RFID tags using powerful long-distance readers at around 40 metres," stated the report.
While car manufacturers view electronic features as selling points, Stuart McClure, senior vice president and general manager at McAfee, said they also represent risks.
"Many examples of research-based hacks show the potential threats and depth of compromise that expose the consumer. It's one thing to have your email or laptop compromised but having your car hacked could expose you to dire risks," he said."

[tank531]

Have you seen the new BMW sotware security option or upgrade via USB? its just another $2,000 hit

[sfax]

I can think of easier ways to disable a car than remotely hacking into it and switching on its immobiliser

[perto]

My be BMW update the McAfee anti virus on the next service?

[powertech83]

Soon you'll see McAfee logo in the iDrive screen and says "Your car is at risk, please subscribe to our $199.99/yr plan to fully secure your car" in big yellow lettering with triangle exclamation mark.

[Bustofa]

Originally Posted by powertech83

Soon you'll see McAfee logo in the iDrive screen and says "Your car is at risk, please subscribe to our $199.99/yr plan to fully secure your car" in big yellow lettering with triangle exclamation mark.

[TuffLittleUnit]

Originally Posted by sfax

I can think of easier ways to disable a car than remotely hacking into it and switching on its immobiliser

Agree - cars were being "bricked" well before iPhones.

[Itchywasabi]

This maybe the reason why Lotus' X3 have been acting weird... sfax must have been hacking on his iDrive

[sfax]

Originally Posted by Itchywasabi

This maybe the reason why Lotus' X3 have been acting weird... sfax must have been hacking on his iDrive

I'm real sorry Lotus but I wanted to set you a tough challenge and I got a bit carried away with making the warning messages flash up