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Automakers are hurriedly trying to implement connected vehicle technology and autonomous solutions to entice consumers, though there remains an underlying phobia among the general public that isn’t without a basis in reality. Cyber security is considered essential to the evolution of self-driving cars and plays an equally important role in the vehicles of today that offer enhanced connectivity.
Since modern automobiles rely so heavily on computers, there’s a plethora of elements that hackers could target. However, these hackers don’t necessarily need to operate outside of the law.
Embedded in a WikiLeaks analysis of documents allegedly acquired from the Central Intelligence Agency is an apparent interest in hacking automobiles. The most terrifying takeaway from those files? The claim that the CIA could theoretically use the systems in modern passenger vehicles to conduct “nearly undetectable assassinations.”
The specific example given was a document citing cars using BlackBerry Ltd.’s QNX automotive software, which is used in more than 60 million vehicles.
CIA meeting notes specifically mention QNX as one of several “potential mission areas” for the agency’s Embedded Devices Branch. That branch is also alleged to have collaborated with United Kingdom’s MI5/BTSS to hack phones using Android and Apple operating systems, as well as Samsung’s Smart TVs. After being attacked with hidden malware, those devices could then be converted into listening devices or even controlled by a third party.
The notes that mention the car-based systems — dated October 23, 2014 — said that Blackberry hadn’t yet been notified of the branch’s work. The documents also do not specify if the CIA ever moved ahead with QNX as a hacking target.
However, we already know that modern vehicles can be hacked. Researches working with Wired gained digital access to a Jeep Cherokee in 2015 and managed control many of the car’s systems, including the throttle, brakes and steering. FCA then recalled 1.4 million cars and trucks, making it the first automotive recall ever prompted by hacking trepidations.
While there are over 10,000 files to sift through, Wikileaks has already alleged that the CIA developed what editor-in-chief Julian Assange considered an “arsenal” of malware to attack and control “all the systems that average people use”.
“Once the material is effectively disarmed, we will publish additional details,” Assange said.
U.S. federal agencies have launched a criminal investigation into the release of the documents.
“Allegedly”
Let’s ask Michael Hastings for opinion.
28, we don’t always agree, but I’m glad this was the first post.
Thx man, nice to see others reading between the lines.
For new readers to this site, JB wrote about it:
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/06/famed-non-automotive-journalist-michael-hastings-turns-a-c250-into-a-bomb/
^^ Exactly what he said.
If they can, they will
Let me be the first to say: why is this not the least bit surprising?
The CIA is sometimes considered to be Criminals In Action. They’ve also, in the past, been called the Cocaine Importers of America.
Translation: “Spies Look For Ways to Spy”
Personally, I’d be upset if they WEREN’T looking for these kinds of ways to gather intelligence.
I’m not surprised. OnStar and similar in vehicle bluetooth systems don’t even need to be hacked. A warrant is all that is needed.
I’m not surprised by OnStar and similar services. I am, however, surprised that Samsung TVs can listen to your conversations even after you’ve turned it off.
WheelMcCoy – do those TV’s have microphones?
Yes, they are in the class of “smart” TVs.
“Turning off” ain’t what it used to be.
It’s never really ‘off,’ just like an iPhone.
For the TV at least, a power strip with a switch works wonders.
I insist on a removable battery for my cell phone, for unrelated reasons. The number of phones that can accomplish this is getting smaller by the minute. But when I pull the cell from my cell, it’s definitely off.
Since your selection of phones with removable batteries is just about done, here is an easy work around. Get one of those plastic bags that have an anti-static coating – the bag that EZ Pass like toll transponders are mailed to you are perfect. Slip your phone into the bag, fold it over and presto! No transmission is being made. You can test by calling the phone – your phone won’t ring and the signal scale will be zero.
Yeah, if they weren’t looking into this sort of thing then what am I paying them for?
I’m sure the CIA thinks of all kind of spy ideas. Anybody who actually knows just says “no comment.”
Sublime Text is excellent editor; doubt any cars are running on Angular though ;)
YOU SUCK FOR BEATING ME TO THIS JOKE BY 30 MINUTES. At least I linked to Github. Point for me, sir, point for me. Also, Sublime sucks, go Jetbrains forever.
You… You used stock imagery of that terrible Google invention, Angular.js, to depict hacking? Through the powers of the internet, you can even find the pull request that added that particular section.
https://github.com/angular/angular.js/pull/1958/files
Much better hacker images involve Googling “hacker stock image.” My favorites are the ones of masked men with tiny hammers, threatening their own laptops.
LOL… Yes, use the “Red Code” from CSI Cyber!
I have an upcoming interview with an automaker for an in-vehicle cyber defense position. I may be the one dude who looks at this as a positive!