New Hacker Target: Your Car

So, no-one thought of taking out the rotor arm, then?

This is one reason I continue to drive a 1977 Chevrolet. No computer to hack.

I really think we would be better off to get the computers out of cars. They are overly complicated, and the modern car is absolutely dependent on it. If the computer goes out, the car is dead. There's no such thing as getting it running with a screwdriver well enough to return to the shop.

Long live the antiques!

Yeah, we already know this. GM builds these systems into their vehicles on purpose. It's all part of the OnStar package. LoJack and other companies have these systems which allow stolen vehicles to be recovered. That a criminal figured out a way to tap into the system really isn't a great surprise.

We can put really great locks, deadbolts, chains and stop-bars on the front door too. So I'll just come through the window using a rock.

It really doesn't matter how you try to build-up or dumb-down anything...there's always a way to f*** with it.

Then the manufacturers will run foul of the European anti-monopoly (or anti-anti-competition) legislation that requires OEMs to make their CANbus, LINbus anf FLEXRay protocols transparent/available to everyone.

The rationale behind this legislation is to open up aftermarket servicing, diagnostics and retrofitting. It is in place for light duty and on its way for Heavy Duty.

It will make our job much easier! (No, I'm not a hacker!)