Mobile Car Technology

What’s more mobile than a car?

In this video clip from the Today Show, Chris Valasek (Director of Security Intelligence IOActive) and Charlie Miller (computer security researcher with Twitter) hack into a car’s computer system and take control of speedometer and the wheel.

While the hack is a success, they do point out that the hack is very localized-the hacker has to be in the car to take control of the car’s computer. But the point is that as cars become more advanced, they’re more vulnerable to getting hacked. The auto industry is on the verge of being revolutionized by technology as the world becomes more connected by mobile devices. A study by Fujitsu projects that in the future “the car itself will become not merely a device for mobility, but a “mobile device” in the same sense that technology companies understand the term – a platform for innovative, compelling applications that enrich the user’s experience.”

This opens up a lot of opportunity, but also an increased risk that car manufacturers will need to address as technology continues to advance.