It's kinda long, 16 pages. I haven't finished reading it yet, but the from quote below, you can see where this is heading.
Found at http://instapundit.comInstapundit wrote: Now that cars are just platforms and Ford is starting an apps store, how long before we see auto-malware? Not long, say researchers from the University of Washington, who managed to breach automobile networks using keyless entry systems. They were able to disengage or engage brakes (sometimes one wheel at a time), overriding the driver entirely. And in a move that may make this the first scientific paper to be turned into a major motion picture, they launched a “Self-Destruct” mode:
“a 60-second count-down is displayed on the DriverInformation Center (the dash), accompanied by clicks at an increasing rate and horn honks in the last few seconds. In our demo, this sequence culminated with killing the engine and activating the door lock relay (preventing the occupant from using the electronic door unlock button).”
They explicitly said they didn't name the car, as they believe these flaws are not inherent to one model or manufacturer. Regardless, the car involved in their testing is a Chevy Impala. There are two photos, one exterior, one interior. It's pretty obvious.
As it represents the intersection of computer hacking and car-control (not just engine control), it's pretty interesting (scary?) to see what can be done.
-Dave
