Texting and driving do not mix

We all know that it is not wise to mix texting and driving together – after all, you cannot split your concentration both ways and be 100% sure that you will be able to arrive at your destination without causing any harm to people around you – as well as yourself, in an accident, that is. It seems that computer hackers are able to force select vehicles to unlock their doors, and not only that, start their engines without the need for a key – this is made possible by sending specially crafted messages to a car’s anti-theft system. Not only that, one is able to snoop at your location history through the tapping of the car’s GPS system.

This is made possible as car alarms, GPS systems and other devices these days tend to remain more and more connected to cellular telephone networks – which means one can receive commands via text messaging. While this enables owners to alter settings on devices from afar, it also opens up a door for hackers to pry their way inside.

This was demonstrated recently by researchers from iSEC Partners, where an attack on a Subaru Outback that came with an unidentified vulnerable alarm system was successful. Using a notebook, the team sent alarm system commands of the Subaru to the notebook in order to unlock the doors and start the engine. Guess there is no more need to download a hot-wire program from the Matrix now, do we? Having said that, I don’t think that Slim Jims will see their sales plummet anytime soon.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones, Computers, Transportation
Tags: cars, sms, texting, theft