After two well known hackers took control over a Jeep Cherokee’s system, Fiat Chrysler announced a new software fix to prevent further attacks.
Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, the hackers in charge of the operation, managed to take control over a Jeep’s UConnect system by its wireless internet connection. They used a laptop and a mobile phone to do so. While the vehicle was travelling around 110 km/h, the hackers cutted out the engine and applied the brakes, causing the car to crash into a ditch. Andy Greenberg a writer from Wired.com, was the one behind the wheels driving the Jeep on St. Louis, Missouri, public streets.
This demonstration represents a real warning to the auto industry, as they keep adding Internet features to their vehicles, some very useful for drivers and passengers, but a real menace regarding to possible outer attacks. For example, BMW had to offer a software patch as hackers were able to unlock its cars doors.
FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) explained that vehicles from 2013 and 2014 with a 8.4 touch screen are currently at risk. This includes Ram pickup trucks, the Dodge Durango, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Viper, and some 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedans. Owners can download the software patch on the FCA’s UConnect website and install it on their vehicles. Affected customers will be soon contacted by email. Moreover, car dealers will proceed to install it for free.
Miller said he has downloaded the fixed software and it appears to be working just fine. However, he claims there are many other issues to be solved, for example, the inability for the system to detect an attack that is in progress.