Hackers get into Jeep cars system and take over the vehicle

Fiat Chrysler, maker of Jeep, has released an urgent software update for several of its cars that are wireless connected to the internet.

This comes after two hackers demonstrated their ability to take control of the vehicle sitting behind their laptop and crash it into a ditch. Hackers are now beginning to target cars as well, as they are becoming connected to the internet and to mobile phones. Such cyberattacks could well pose a serious threat, as potential injury and loss of life can become a very real issue.

These hackers intend to reveal their tricks at a security conference in Las Vegas next month. This news comes with much concern from Fiat Chrysler, as they say that they do not condone nor consider the move appropriate.

Such concern from the automaker comes partly because many owners may not know or could ignore installing the update, which leaves them vulnerable to a cyberattack of the same nature. Even with serious safety defects, only 70-80% of owners bother to get it fixed.

Furthermore, traffic authorities are also stepping in to try to mitigate the issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is discussing possible new measures to take against such risks.

Cars these days are increasingly connected by technology, with digital wireless technology being available in many cars. Wireless hotspots, hands free driving and other basic sensors like tyre pressure monitoring systems have become possible access points to hackers.

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