Chrysler vehicles can be hacked
Extreme Tech ET is not always the most reliable of sources. I know that I have called them out on items which were away from their zone of expertize. But this is about computers which they do know ...
Forum Discussion
itguy08 wrote:
Then why target Chrysler? Why not go after the biggest target, OnStar? OnStar has been doing this for quite a long time and offers many of the same features as Uconnect, all through the cellular vote and data networks. OnStar can remotely unlock doors, start the car, etc...
It could just be that Chrysler's system (like their vehicles) was poorly engineered.
Why? Because, as usual, you're really only looking to bash one brand, not really investigate the issue. Even a simple search would have found the following:
GM working to close OnStar security hole dug up by DARPA
"General Motors is developing a fix for its OnStar telematics system after researchers found a way to hack into one of its cars and take over several functions, including the brakes."
"Last week, BMW revealed that it had fixed a flaw in its ConnectedDrive telematics system that was discovered by a German automobile club and could allow someone using a fake cellular tower to connected to an individual car and open its windows or unlock its doors. More than 2.2 million cars were susceptible to such a breach."
Hackers find weaknesses in car computer systems
Savage wouldn't identify which manufacturer made the car they hacked into. But two people with knowledge of the work said the car was from General Motors and the researchers compromised the OnStar safety system, best known for using cellular technology to check on customers and call for help in a crash. The people didn't want to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
GM wouldn't comment on the research, but the company issued a statement saying it takes security seriously and is putting strategies in place to reduce risk.
One of the people said GM engineers initially dismissed the researchers' work, but after reading the report, quickly moved to close holes that allowed access to the car's computers.
Are GM and BMW also poorly engineered?
There will be more reports of these types of events. Security is something that's complex, changes rapidly, and takes only one tiny mistake to make the whole effort worthless. Microsoft has a hard time keeping a constantly patched OS secure, and it's their business. Car companies have some painful lessons to learn in the process of accomplishing the same thing.
