Car computer systems at risk to viruses

Iria · Aug 2, 2005, 03:51 AM

HELSINKI, Finland (Reuters) -- Here's a new excuse for not getting to work on time on a Monday morning: My car caught a virus.

Car industry officials and analysts say hackers' growing interest in writing viruses for wireless devices puts auto computer systems at risk of infection.

As carmakers adjust on-board computers to allow consumers to transfer information with MP3 players and mobile phones, they also make their vehicles vulnerable to mobile viruses that jump between devices via the Bluetooth technology that connects them.

"I'm afraid there is a risk in using a Bluetooth connection in cars," said Yevgeni Kaspersky, head of antivirus research at closely held Russian firm Kaspersky Lab.

"If the smartphones and on-board computers have the same channel to transfer the data ... sooner or later the hackers will find the vulnerability in the operating systems of on-board computers and ... will definitely use it," he added.

The worst that could happen is that the computer's control of engine performance and emissions, navigation and entertainment systems cease to function. That would probably mean an annoying trip to the repair shop or having to reboot the system.
__________
Read More / Source: CNN

CDsDontBurn · Aug 2, 2005, 03:55 AM

glad my car doesn't have bluetooh

.

daedal · Aug 2, 2005, 04:22 AM

Hell, my car doesn't have a CD player, let alone Bluetooth.

Dark Lord · Aug 2, 2005, 04:57 AM

my pontiac doesnt have a cd player either, nor bluetooth. my vette on the other hand, not even a computer in it.

Rayder · Aug 2, 2005, 01:20 PM

I always kinda thought they have the computers in cars "thinking" about too much stuff. Tweakin' on too much stuff on the engine itself....too much "internet happy" communication with the computer that that's powering your 80mph cruise down the freeway.

....but maybe I'm just paranoid......

Aug 2, 2005, 03:51 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	Car computer systems at risk to viruses HELSINKI, Finland (Reuters) -- Here's a new excuse for not getting to work on time on a Monday morning: My car caught a virus. Car industry officials and analysts say hackers' growing interest in writing viruses for wireless devices puts auto computer systems at risk of infection. As carmakers adjust on-board computers to allow consumers to transfer information with MP3 players and mobile phones, they also make their vehicles vulnerable to mobile viruses that jump between devices via the Bluetooth technology that connects them. "I'm afraid there is a risk in using a Bluetooth connection in cars," said Yevgeni Kaspersky, head of antivirus research at closely held Russian firm Kaspersky Lab. "If the smartphones and on-board computers have the same channel to transfer the data ... sooner or later the hackers will find the vulnerability in the operating systems of on-board computers and ... will definitely use it," he added. The worst that could happen is that the computer's control of engine performance and emissions, navigation and entertainment systems cease to function. That would probably mean an annoying trip to the repair shop or having to reboot the system. __________ Read More / Source: CNN

Aug 2, 2005, 03:55 AM	#2
CDsDontBurn 127.0.0.1 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,458 Rep Power: 202 System Specs	glad my car doesn't have bluetooh . __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Aug 2, 2005, 04:22 AM	#3
daedal Uber Coffee Drinker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gatineau, Quebec Posts: 2,250 Rep Power: 0	Hell, my car doesn't have a CD player, let alone Bluetooth. __________________

Aug 2, 2005, 04:57 AM	#4
Dark Lord HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5,945 Rep Power: 124 System Specs	my pontiac doesnt have a cd player either, nor bluetooth. my vette on the other hand, not even a computer in it. __________________

Aug 2, 2005, 01:20 PM	#5
Rayder Mostly lurking lately.... Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 2,160 Rep Power: 71	I always kinda thought they have the computers in cars "thinking" about too much stuff. Tweakin' on too much stuff on the engine itself....too much "internet happy" communication with the computer that that's powering your 80mph cruise down the freeway. ....but maybe I'm just paranoid......