Call Today

+1 440-322-ILER(4537)

}
Hours

Mon – Fri, 9am to 5pm

Tech Blog

your go-to resource for all things tech! Stay updated on the latest trends, industry insights, and expert tips to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology.

A New Era of Hacking, Part 1

by | Nov 13, 2015

You have heard of phones, tablets, and computers being hacked. You may have even heard of industrial equipment being hacked. But did you know that vehicles are increasingly finding themselves in a digital attacker’s crosshairs? Vehicles have had computers for a while, but only recently have they found themselves with onboard bluetooth and wifi network systems. These features can provide utility, entertainment, or safety to anybody using them, but they also provide a way for attackers to gain a foothold into a car’s computer system. These systems can be linked with braking, steering, entry, safety, power, and ignition. This is not a hypothetical situation. Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.4 million cars this year in relation to a Jeep Cherokee that was remotely controlled by security researchers that broke into it’s internet connected entertainment system. The attack did not require anything more than off-the-shelf radio components, a laptop, and knowledge of the system. On top of this, it can be done from anywhere in the world. Some would say that the difficulty in discovering such a vulnerability is high enough to keep a large number of people from pulling it off. However, if an experienced hacker can sell his attack to someone less qualified and far more malicious, the attack could become widespread.

It might soothe you think that the vehicles will be patched and fixed in short order, but the reality is very different. The update cannot be applied automatically. It must be brought into a certified service center to be patched. If people are not aware of the gravity of this problem, then they will not likely get it fixed. The good news is that the the publicity of this vulnerability has forced a change in tack in the automotive industry. Manufacturers are already beginning to secure car computer systems by isolating things like entertainment networks from control systems essential to the car’s core functionality. On top of this emergency connections like OnStar are working to prevent anybody but them from accessing cars on their network or encrypting and verifying traffic using financial-grade security systems.

Hope is not lost! Any car you buy in the future will likely be much more secure than those in the latest generation of vehicles. In the meantime, keep a lookout for a potential car’s security problems before you buy it. One easy way is to make sure it doesn’t use a Wifi connection. Other types of attacks, such as those through bluetooth or a wireless key fob, are less likely as attackers need to be nearby to exploit a car’s computers. Even so, manufactures are also securing these systems so that the future of your transportation is safer and more secure.

Sources:

http://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/

http://www.ptclwg.com/news/the-most-hackable-cars-on-the-road-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0SrxBC1xs

A New Era of Hacking, Part 1

How To Beat The Hackers This Year

It’s game time – and while the biggest teams are gearing up for football’s biggest day, cybercriminals are busy preparing their playbook for 2025. Just like a championship game, defending your business against hackers requires strategy, teamwork, and preparation. As a...
A New Era of Hacking, Part 1

7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your IT Provider: Protect Your Business from IT Risks

Are you frustrated with your IT provider? Slow responses, poor communication, and outdated technology solutions can put your business at risk for cybersecurity breaches, compliance violations, and operational downtime. The truth is, many business owners don’t realize...
A New Era of Hacking, Part 1

Inside Look: How Hackers Use AI to Attack Your Business

Think your business is too small to catch a hacker’s attention? Think again. Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), cybercriminals are now scaling their attacks like never before. And guess what? Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are their favorite targets....
A New Era of Hacking, Part 1

Data Privacy Day: Safeguarding Your Business From Costly Data Breaches

January 28 is Data Privacy Day—a crucial reminder of the importance of keeping sensitive information secure. For small and midsized business (SMB) owners like you, data privacy isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a vital part of protecting your clients, your reputation, and...
A New Era of Hacking, Part 1

New Year, New Tech: Top IT Upgrades To Supercharge Your Business In 2025

January isn’t just about resolutions—it’s the perfect time to assess your business’s technology. In 2025, staying competitive means embracing IT solutions that increase efficiency, improve security, and prepare your business for an AI-driven digital world. Outdated or...