ECU (twealed electronic control unit)

This Hack Will Cost Consumers Big

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Uh-oh. We thought it was bad enough that criminals could hack into our cars and planes. We knew that these computers we love to play while we drive or fly had downsides. But, we forgot to account for the fact that our car alarms and ignition devices are also controlled by these electronic units.

So, it should not surprise anyone that our beloved smart cars are being stolen right in front of us.  Even though we thought they were parked, locked, and alarmed.  There is no longer any need to hot wire the car.   Just a laptop is the only equipment a crook needs. (Maybe a master key, too. Or, more likely, the thieves have already hacked into the dealer’s computer systems.  And, are now using that data to produce the hacks needed to hijack our cars.)

These vulnerabilities are not really being fixed by the car manufacturers. Instead, other firms are developing (and selling to us) fixes to ensure our cars remain in our possession.

Voyomotive, LLC is among those firms producing an app (with a switch tht must also be installed in the automobile) that precludes hackers with an electronic key from driving away with our cars. It is also claimed that the door locks will continually engage, should a hacker attempt vehicle entry.  And, for $ 250 (plus installation),  you get lifetime (at least for the one car in which you installed it) protection.

But, the real problem, as far as I can see it,  is that there are neither standards or laws to address these security problems.   How do you think the police will react- after you’ve searched that public parking place where you KNOW you parked your car- and you tell them it’s been stolen?

It reminds me of my time in Boston, back when it was just a misdemeanor charge if someone “borrowed” your car. And, when my car was borrowed, the fact that a set of spare keys were in the glove box had the judge questioning whether I authorized these hoods to take my car.

“Yes, sir. I asked them to shatter my driver side window, destroy the steering wheel, and  hot wire the car. Why bother using the key?”

The best $25 fine I ever paid. (“Contempt of Court- you betcha!)  To the dumbest judge I ever met.

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