Cars are getting smarter. They can give you a running calculation of your current gas mileage, let you know when your tire pressure is low, give you directions to the nearest pizza place, offer a variety of entertainment options from satellite radio to television, and soon cars may even be driving themselves. They can be unlocked and even remotely started using a cell phone or an internet connection. With all the computerization and connectivity in the modern high tech car, can car viruses be far behind?
The computer security company McAfee says that not only do these convenient car features use computerized controllers, but critical safety features like air-bags, anti-lock braking systems, and automatic cruise control systems use embedded microcontrollers could be potential targets for next-generation hacking. Just as the first keyless entry systems were implemented without encryption to prevent something as simple as a learning remote control to record and replay key codes, these modern controllers may lack adequate protection, says McAfee.
While McAfee, which designs and sells computer security software, clearly has an interest in promoting automotive electronics cyber security concerns which they hope represents a potentially huge new market for them, they do have a point. As cars increasingly use computer technology to keep us entertained, connected, and to enable advanced features, they become increasingly vulnerable to attacks from malicious hackers.
Going forward, automakers will need to include a very high level of security for these systems. Keeping the car's security system up to date and protected against each new virus may also require some ongoing subscription much the way our home computers need regular updates to stay ahead of the hackers' latest malware creations. No doubt some warranty plans will include or, indeed, require regular virus protection updates.