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 First attack on a car computer is suspected
January 31, 2005
Antivirus company Kaspersky Lab is reportedly investigating a case where a cellphone-transmitted virus has gotten into a car's onboard computer system. Lexus models LX470, LS430 and Toyota's Landcruiser 100 are being checked for possible vulnerabilities. The car manufacturer declined to comment on the case.
The end of the last year has witnessed the appearance of the first-ever mobile phone viruses such as Cabir and Skulls that spread through Bluetooth connection and infect handsets based on the Symbian OS. Because the Bluetooth signal can link digital devices at a range of up to 10 meters, the handset with Bluetooth enabled can unwittingly download a virus from an infected device in its proximity.
"At this stage it's still early but it just goes to show that technology has consequences," said David Emm, senior technology consultant at Kaspersky. "It's scary stuff."
"If infected mobile devices are scary, just thinking about an infected onboard computer..," said Eugene Kaspersky, head of anti-virus research at Russian firm. "We do know that car manufacturers are integrating existing operating systems into their onboard computers (take the Fiat and Microsoft deal, for instance)."
Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, is a known Lexus fan.
Kaspersky Labs is investigating how far can a virus go on its way, from infecting the communication and GPS system onboard, to modifying injection, suspension and gearbox configurations.
"I've even seen screenshots of major commercial aeroplanes with Windows 2000-based operating systems," said Mikko Hypponen, director of anti-virus research at Finnish firm F-Secure. "Cars are an obvious target for viruses. It's okay if you don't use the operating system for the engine and the brakes, but when you do..."
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