Terrorists Targeting Cars And Trucks For Attacks?

A variety of reports have recently surfaced speculating on the possibility of cyber-terrorists conducting a mass takeover of vehicles in the United States. Knowing that OnStar can locate your vehicle, unlock your doors, and even shut off your engine has given folks reason to perk up their ears when they hear about the possibility.

The Center for Automotive Embedded Systems Security, which consists of researchers from the University of Washington and University of California-San Diego, was able to hack into what the researchers described as "an ordinary, mid-priced, late-model sedan available to any consumer." They unlocked car doors, listened in on conversations, turned the engine on and off and compromised critical vehicle systems, such as the brakes and engine, according to the report.

Perhaps more importantly, the researchers reported they were able to erase any evidence of their involvement in the hacking, which would make it very difficult for investigators to determine if an event was an act of terrorism or simply human error.

Today’s vehicles are laced with computers and software that control a variety of systems, including emissions controls, braking, acceleration, infotainment systems, etc. With the advent of WiFi systems becoming more widely available in vehicles, the concern about such a breach is beginning to gain steam. The possibility is real enough that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established a cyber-terrorism unit that tracks software issues that could make cars vulnerable to attack.

The Electronic Systems Safety Research Division employs 12 people with engineering and software backgrounds, according to NHTSA. However, the safety agency’s ability to handle the job was called into question during the hearing. NHTSA called NASA in to help it recently with another investigation because the agency lacked the expertise necessary. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland told the congressmen he was satisfied with his team and that he intends to add additional people. That said, he acknowledged that these efforts were a priority because "we don’t want to be behind the eight ball on this."

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