CAR HACKING

In 2015, two security researchers proved they could remotely hack into a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s systems and perform actions ranging from taking over the infotainment system to killing the engine and disabling the brakes (reported at securityweek.com on July 24, 2015).

This system vulnerability was limited to 2013-2015 American models produced by Fiat Chrysler, including the Dodge Viper, Ram, Durango and Challenger, as well as the aforementioned Grand Cherokee. More than 1.4 million vehicles were recalled in the USA and a software update fixed the problem, but the case sounded a warning about the potential vulnerability of cars in the future.

The interception of signals from remote key-fobs and keyless entry systems has been a problem for a number of years. The German equivalent of the British AA tested 24 different vehicles with a keyless-entry system and found they could all be hacked, allowing the vehicle to be stolen.

One method is to follow the owner of such a vehicle with a keyless-entry system and use an electronic device to extend the range of the owner’s key. The signal is then sent to another device, allowing the car to be opened and driven away.