Is Your Car At Risk For Getting Hacked?

Have you seen this commercial for the Chevy Cruze in which a man is standing by a car and his friend says “Call her..” His wife is boarding a plane and indulges him by opening an app on her phone and starts the car. It is pretty cool stuff and makes me laugh every time I see it.

I am thrilled every time I bring my car into the shop and they give me a loaner that has all the latest bells and whistles including Bluetooth, GPS navigation, and autostart. During one particularly long episode of having my car in for two weeks, I used that Bluetooth like crazy! I even vowed that my next car would have that feature so I can be a safer driver when my phone rings.

These features that open doors, start engines, answer phones are all just great, but as technology gets more sophisticated are the automobile manufacturers considering security?

Well McAfee has partnered with WindRiver and eScrypt to answer just that question in a report called “Caution: Malware Ahead.” They looked at embedded devices that are commonly built into cars today such as airbags, radios, power seats, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability controls, autonomous cruise controls, communication systems and in-vehicle communication to see if there was any potential risk for criminal activity.

The new report from McAfee examines risks associated with cybercriminal activity including:

-Remote unlock and start car via cell phone
-Disable car remotely
-Track a driver’s location, activities and routines
-Steal personal data from a Bluetooth system
-Disrupt navigation systems
-Disable emergency assistance

“As more and more functions get embedded in the digital technology of automobiles, the threat of attack and malicious manipulation increases,” said Stuart McClure, senior vice president and general manager, McAfee.  “Many examples of research-based hacks show the potential threats and depth of compromise that expose the consumer. It’s one thing to have your email or laptop compromised, but having your car hacked could translate to dire risks to your personal safety.”

Some potential risks McAfee associated with cybercriminal activity include:

-Remote unlock and start car via cell phone
-Disable car remotely
-Track a driver’s location, activities and routines
-Steal personal data from a Bluetooth system
-Disrupt navigation systems
-Disable emergency assistance

This may be something to consider with your current car or the next car you purchase. You may want to be armed with questions to ask the dealer so you know what your car can do before you bring it home to make sure you keep your personal safety in mind.

Click here to read the full report. www.mcafee.com/autoreport.

Stay safe out there!

Tracy

@McAfeeCyberMom on Twitter

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