I just ran across this article in which the author — practically in hysterics — claims that there is a huge computer virus attack underway… against cars.
Owners of vehicles with onboard computers should brace themselves for an onslaught by hi-tech criminals who are causing havoc by infecting the devices with viruses.
Those with systems such as satellite navigation have been warned to secure the devices, after reports last week that the on-board computers of several Lexus models in the United States had been infected via cellphones.
… Many of the vehicles had satellite navigation systems linked to hands-free phone kits, via wireless Bluetooth technology and this was likely how the on-board systems of the cars had become infected, said Melamed.
“We are already starting to see a significant jump in the number of viruses affecting mobile devices such as cellphones and hand-held computers,” Melamed said. “As technology becomes more mobile, it is becoming increasingly important to guard against virus infections.
Unfortunately, this pointless article doesn’t give any information on:
- how the viruses are transmitted to the phone
- what kind of phone (or phone OS) can be infected by a virus
- by what mechanism the virus is transmitted to the car
- what the virus does (they say it “breaches the security code.” Security code for what?)
- and lastly, how one can “guard against virus infections.”
I can’t quite figure out the point of this article other than to fill space. They say that 150,000 cars in this country were affected last week. I never heard about this, did you?
I own one of those cars with Bluetooth and the connected navigation system. The phone connects to the car as a handsfree system, transferring sound, phone book, and caller ID information. I can’t fathom how my phone would receive a virus nor how it would infect my car — the phone doesn’t send applications or anything like that. It makes no sense at all. Can someone explain this to me?
And you hype-master, luddite “journalists” out there — quit it.
I’m not a computer guru but I am a car guy and I did read of this.
Lexus during routine service noticed that some (some) of the cars on-board computer systems had been accessed and not by a lexus dealer.
Nothing was changed, no virus as such. but access to the onboard computer allows whoever to alter timing, air-fuel ratio and 1,000 other little things. Some of which could make your car un-drivable.
IE: I remotely log in to your lexus and alter the settings so it won’t start. The next morning you take a cab to work and call AAA. Having your car dead in your driveway or garage makes it easier for me to steal. And I can re-set the settings when I feel like it.
Who is accessing they do not know. Nor do they know how? Their guessing the cell phone link as the Lexus that were accessed were too spread out to be one guy visiting each car. So the only option is he accessed via satellite via cell phone.
The GPS unit built into the car is “on” all the time and can talk to ? (police) 24/7.
This also means whoever can log in to your GPS signal can track your every move. (think jealous husband)
Just one more reason I don’t like GPS or cell phones or on-star or a thousand other seemingly harmless devices that record and track your every move.
After all
Even paranoids have real enemies.
Delmore Schwartz