Technology may be advancing but with the recent spate of cyber attacks across the globe, it is a double-edged sword and brings in its folds several pitfalls.
According to experts, even Motorists are not safe from the wrath of cyber criminals as luxury vehicles are vulnerable to being hacked. Cyber attackers are capable of hacking into the security and safety system of an automobile and controlling the brakes, as well as the cruising. Not a farfetched theory considering that plenty of vehicles now have access and are connected to the Internet all day long.
Edmund King, president of The Automobile Association, says automobiles today are becoming more and more dependent on technology, especially remote technology. Hackers have more vulnerabilities to tap into. They can just choose to target cars then people will be in for a tough time.
"Ultimately there could be a terrorist-type threat to transport systems. I don't think we're there yet but it is something that needs to be addressed," stated King.
What would criminals gain from waging such attacks?
Apart from deriving sadistic pleasure, hackers can use the attack to their advantage to extort money from motorists, cause car crashes and steal valuable information.
According to Jacques Louw, a senior security consultant at MWR Security, cyber criminals are also capable of turning on microphones in an automobile to eavesdrop on the conversation between its occupants.
Accessing a vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) or internal computer system via wireless networks, car radio or Bluetooth is not farfetched. Experiments have shown that the same is possible. The study conducted by researchers in California and Washington universities showed off how by connecting the CAN to a laptop gave hackers the ability to access and control the vehicle's trunk, doors, make it honk, control the headlights, as well as its speed.
However, all does not seem bleak as technology also has its benefits. Future technology can be used wisely and positively to increase safety as well. Next-gen vehicles, says King, will imbibe a "Co-operative Intelligent Transport System." Automobiles will have the ability to communicate with each other, thereby avoiding accidents and promoting road safety.
