Fiat Chrysler (Photo : Reuters)
Security experts said that the recently discovered Fiat-Chrysler infotainment hack was barely scrubbing the top part of a bigger car cyber security issue.
Recently, Fiat-Chrysler was forced to recall more than 1.4 million vehicles due to a discovered loophole in their computer system that could allow hackers to remotely control the car. In subsequent investigations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a memo claiming that more than 2.8 million car audio systems manufactured by Harman International Industries are also vulnerable to the same car hacking method used on the Fiat-Chrysler hack.
The NHTSA wrote on the memo's summary, "Unauthorized access or manipulation of the vehicle control systems could reduce the driver's control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash, with an attendant increasing risk of injury to the driver, other vehicle occupants, and other vehicle and their occupants within proximity to the affected vehicle."
The hacking vulnerability issue on Fiat-Chrysler vehicles was discovered by former National Security Agency employee Charlie Miller, who published his discovery on Wired magazine July 21 issue. On the report, Miller demonstrated that he could wirelessly control a Jeep Cherokee through the vehicles radio system.
The report spread like wildfire and forced Fiat-Chrysler to issue the recall order. At the same time, the report opened up the attention of the public to the possible implications brought by unsecured car computer systems.
As punishment for the lackluster effort in terms of securing their vehicles, the NHTSA slapped Fiat Chrysler with a hefty fine that could amount to as much as $105 million.
