According to a recent news story, a hacker has helped a family reunite with their beloved car which they had to abandon for months after they lost a one-of-a-kind key. Without any other alternatives in getting a key, the desperate family agreed for the car to be hacked, with the hacker given access to the vehicle's on-board immobiliser computer. Cesare Garlati, Chief Security Strategist at the prpl Foundation, commented: "Despite this being a positive story, with connected devices, the most dangerous aspect is the 'connected' part.
"We have seen the alarming results from cars being hacked in the past, with hackers gaining access to the braking and steering systems of certain Tesla and Jeep models.
"If hackers are able to forge digital keys and disable the on-board computer systems, what’s to stop those with malicious intent from doing the same?
"Mechanics and Engineers must start realising the potential dangers associated with connected devices, especially when manufacturers and developers of IoT and connected devices see security as an afterthought.
"Neglecting security, especially within cars, has the potential to result in the theft of vehicles – or worse."