By Dan Ilett, 26 January 2005 16:40
NEWS
Antivirus companies are researching reports that computer viruses have attacked the onboard computers of cars.
Kaspersky Labs was contacted last weekend by a user asking how to disinfect the onboard computers of Lexus cars - the LX470, LS430 and Landcruiser 100. The user said that the infection occurred via a mobile phone.
Some mobile phone viruses already exist, such as Cabir and Skulls which spread by Bluetooth and infect handsets based on the Symbian operating system. Many Lexus cars include a navigation system that can connect to a mobile phone over Bluetooth to allow hands-free calls, and Kaspersky believes that Bluetooth could be used to transmit a virus to a car's GPS navigation system.
However, it is unclear which operating system Lexus uses for its navigation system. The company had not responded for requests for comment at the time of writing.
Eugene Kaspersky, head of antivirus research at Kaspersky Labs, said: "We know that car manufacturers are integrating existing operating systems into their onboard computers - take the Fiat and Microsoft deal, for instance. If infected mobile devices are scary, just think about an infected onboard computer."
David Emm, senior technology consultant for Kaspersky Labs, said it was plausible that mobile phones could infect cars.
"It's certainly a possibility, but at this stage it seems theoretical," said Emm. "The question is whether [onboard computers] have been subjected to attacks from [devices running the] Symbian operating system. I suspect that this will be done with a handset."
Kaspersky is still researching the reports.
Until two-way wireless transmissions were banned in races, Formula One racing cars were equipped with antivirus software to prevent virus attacks on the car's operating system.
Comments
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1. anonymous
This story reminds me why I love my 1988 AMC Eagle. No OnStar to spy on me. No unneeded computerized crap to get infected by viri like this. And hey, guess what? I can change my own oil without going to an "authorized service center".
2. David Fletcher
Same here - I've got a 1990/91 Honda Civic.
No onboard crap - just electronic ignition with good old twin carburetors. It's now up to 141,000 miles, has never broken down, never failed to start and has never caught a virus.
What more can a driver ask of a car?
3. Karen Challinor
Never had any trouble with my motorbike
4. anonymous
'86 dodge daytona- no blue tooth very little cumputer use, great little gas saver til it dies
5. Paul Scesniak
My 1990 Volvo 740T wagon should also be in the clear.
6. anonymous
From what I see around here the only brain in the car is the computer, so it better have some protection.
7. anonymous
What are you nuts? Drive a brand new car and then tell me how much you love your 15 year old one. You're probably still using the original windows i suppose.
8. Tate Nanje
Viruses in car operating systems “wow”, some would say. As theoretical as it sounds, it is plausible. I mean who would have thought one day a virus could attack a cell phone. As we advance in this world of ours, with the successes also will come consequences. As long as something is computerized or has a operating system, believe it, it is vulnerable. And to attack a car’s operating system, oh dear lord; do not think of how costly that could be if a car fails because of a virus at the wrong time and place. But a word of advice, it is best at times to remain and appreciate what one already has. Greed can lead to death. That is, instead of a Lexus with all the advance features a car can have, and maybe more vulnerable like the reports specifically about the LX470, LS430 and Landcruiser 100, just buy a Toyota or a Honda-these cars seem like they last forever, and maybe you are more likely to avoid these intruders created by those who have nothing to do but to try and make the lives of others as miserable as possible.
9. A.Juan Hacker
Err, I wasn't speeding officer, it was my computer, you see it has a stealth virus.
10. Andy Coombes
"Critical" automotive software *cannot* be infected by viruses. The company I work for sells an operating system used on automotive applications such as engine controllers, ABS, door modules etc. These applications are just too "dumb" to host viruses. Besides which they don't have TCP/IP or bluetooth support. Multimedia devices like satnav systems on the other hand...
11. Michael
210K miles, 330K KM on my 1990 Honda Civic and no viruses in sight.....
12. Ed
what about your kids cars, or any cars purchased by your loved ones over the next decade / longer.