Jan 26 2005
Lexus virus
What idiot thought putting bluetooth in a car was a good idea? Just the thought that all someone has to do is walk up to within 15 feet of my car to infect it with who knows what sort of program scares me. If some script kiddie can come up with a Lexus infecting virus, what’s to stop a malicious hacker from disabling your car or worse.
Engineers need to start thinking about the consequences of including needless technology. Yes, it’s nice if your car and your cell phone can communicate to download GPS updates, but what’s going to happen when that update includes a virus that guns the engine and disables the breaks when your on a winding road? Ah, the joys of technology.
3 Responses to “Lexus virus”
Well, obviously it all depends on the interconnection of the systems. If they aren’t (and I’d find that a pretty bad idea to interconnect the automatic transmission system to the GPS and/or communications systems.
The new hybrid Toyota Prius is bluetooth enabled as well. I have no idea how the different computers are integrated within the Prius, but its a little scary considering it depends on those computers to manage which power supply, gas or electric, it uses when in motion.
Hi mmckeay,
a few points to make:
First of all, this isn’t a script kiddie that did this. As you yourself mentioned, this person CAME UP with the virus, which makes him a hacker.
Second of all, I’m pretty sure said Lexus’ bluetooth interface didn’t have control of the accelerator.
Thanks, cacophony.