Automotive Security

Today we are going to talk about the emerging issue of automotive security. Now I'm not talking about door locks and anti theft lug nuts. I mean the computer components that now control an overwhelming amount of stuff from bumper to bumper. I'm rather mechanically inclined so I know a fairly substantial amount about the inner workings of the automobile, and for reference I will use a vehicle I am familiar with... mine. I have a 2006 Nissan 350Z Touring Edition, I specify touring because that means luxury options, and luxury options mean more computers. Let's start under the hood, there are sensors controlling fuel injection, ignition timing, air intake sensors, exhaust gas sensors all working in harmony to get me that maximum fuel economy I was promised. These sensors send their signals to the ECU which is really the brain of the entire car as it also controls my traction control using input from the drive by wire throttle and has the ability to activate my brakes through the anti lock braking system, independent of driver input to make sure the vehicle does not spin out in unfavorable road conditions. All of these systems are, you guessed it, completely unsecured. In fact I can hook up my laptop computer through a USB to OBDII adapter, and read real time sensor data direct from the ECU.

That being said I feel pretty safe in my little car compared to some. Enter Bluetooth connectivity, before the only access was to be directly connected to a vehicle via a cable of some type plugged into most likely the OBDII port found on most every vehicle since 1996. Now through Bluetooth connectivity systems becoming standard on most vehicles, using just a simple smart phone, tablet, or laptop computer a cyber criminal can alter the code of your luxury vehicle and turn it into a 2 ton death trap. With the right know how the engine and braking performance can be modified including door locks, remote start, steering input and even remote GPS tracking data. In fact it would be possible for a thief to remotely, start your vehicle, drive it wherever they want say a local chop shop, and disable any remote tracking systems. 

It is only a matter of time before someone decides trying this would be "cool" and not long after that the criminals will figure it out. Before too long we will have the next mass security issues with car companies issuing recalls to update and secure their systems like they should have done the first time. I'm just waiting on the day when I have to update Norton Auto Security Edition on my car when I renew my registration.

Happy Motoring!