Hackers now hacking car computers!

[r1hatman]

I knew as soon as they started putting computers in cars that they would start getting hacked!


http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/16/...campaign=Feed:+weblogsinc/autoblog+(Autoblog)

 

[MountainMike]

That article is actually slightly misleading. If you follow to the source it says they wad a wifi connection with the OBD-II port. There we saying what a hacker could do if they had access, they skipped the how to actually get access part. That isn't a worry know unless someone jams an antenna into your OBD-II port of the automakers switch to a wireless system, which could happen.

 

[adsm08]

It's still possible on GMs with OnStar if you get the right access codes.

I suppose it would also be possible on Sync enabled Fords, but you would have to be withing 42 feet of the car the whole time, and you'd still have to figure out how to mate your bluetooth device to the car without access to the control panel.

 

[cody93]

what were they smoking when they made the cars be this vulnerable to remote attackers? and why the hell would brakes be computer controlled? i prefere to have my brake pedal goto the actuall break system and not be just a switch

 

[r1hatman]

what were they smoking when they made the cars be this vulnerable to remote attackers? and why the hell would brakes be computer controlled? i prefere to have my brake pedal goto the actuall break system and not be just a switch

Exactly! Even if I had the money to buy a new truck, I would have all that crap pulled out and go with straight air aspirated engine simple and sweet! No computers!

 

[Ranger Kip]

I like how the sponsored links say: Nissan Recall, Lexus Recall, Ford: Safer, Better, etc.
haha.

This is another reason older engines were easier to modify, less electronics, more mechanics.

 

[adsm08]

what were they smoking when they made the cars be this vulnerable to remote attackers? and why the hell would brakes be computer controlled? i prefere to have my brake pedal goto the actuall break system and not be just a switch

The brakes are only computer controlled on vehicles equipped with the RSC anti-roll and AdvanceTrac traction control systems. Even then it's only partially computer controlled. The pedal is still directly attached to the master cylinder and booster, giving you actual control over the brakes. There is a solenoid on the booster (Ford calls it an "Active Booster") that allows the PCM to apply the brakes without your input. That along with the ETC system allows the PCM to ignore your pedal (both gas and brake) inputs in the event of excessive wheel spin due to bad road conditions, or excessive body roll due to bad road conditions or a tire blow out (courtesy of the lovely Firestone debacle that I will leave alone for now).

The Hybrid Escapes accomplish a similar function by using a more advanced ABS module that has the ability to apply the brakes without and input from the driver using the ABS pump, or allowing for variable levels of assist by using a force sensor on the pedal arm.


But as stated before, you basically have to have had an antenna (with Ford VCM attached to it) jammed into the OBD-II port, or an accomplice in the front seat of the car and a blue-tooth enabled computer within 42 feet of the dash of the target vehicle. Even going through the Sync system is probably not feasible. I was playing with it on a new car once, moved my phone out of the car by sticking my hand out the window and lost the connection. Sync is pretty secure from anyone not actually in the car. Even the Wireless enabled VCM's down work too well when the VCM is in the car and the IDS isn't. The body of the car creates a Faraday cage that disrupts the signal kind like a... well... a Faraday Cage.

 

[cody93]

i stand by my words, cars today are over engineered and have way tomany gizmos.

 

[adsm08]

i stand by my words, cars today are over engineered and have way tomany gizmos.

And, as the guy who has to fix those gizmos, I am not particularly disagreeing with you. All the gizmos and gadgets also are contributing to the general public's patent inability to drive. My kids will have basic cars that they have built from a shell (with my help). Any fancy options they want they will have to figure out how to put the stuff on and make it work.

I can still count on 1 hand the times I have actually wished I had ABS. I'm getting power windows and locks, with RKE, but that's more for the engineering exercise and the cool factor of having it on the 87 than a desire for the convenience.

 

[cody93]

only thing power on my truck is steering and headlights

 

[adsm08]

I'm pretty sure there are other powered things on your truck. Got a radio?

 

[cody93]

had one, but it kept eating my tapes

 

[Jason]

Tapes? Well now we know why 70's technology is all he wants.

 

[LearjetMinako]

And, as the guy who has to fix those gizmos, I am not particularly disagreeing with you. All the gizmos and gadgets also are contributing to the general public's patent inability to drive. My kids will have basic cars that they have built from a shell (with my help). Any fancy options they want they will have to figure out how to put the stuff on and make it work.

Yes, the more gadets one vehicle has, the more things to go wrong. But I like the fact now that my Ranger has CD/MP3 Radio, Cruise Control, EATC (Electronic Automatic Temp Control), and an A/C system that I can freeze in (rebuilt the A/C system). Didn't have those before, had to add them in myself. Thou everytime I fix a rattle noise, a new rattle noise comes out.

 

[BlackBII]

All this talk about Brakes....

All you would have to do is kill the Fuel pump, Injectors, Ignition, etc.......which the on board computer controls