Risk of car hacking discussed.

Automobile Magazine (9/23, Floyd, 3.87M) reports on testing for hacks that make cars increasingly vulnerable. Researchers with the University of California, San Diego, and University of Washington in 2011 wrote, “We find the existence of practically exploitable vulnerabilities that permit arbitrary automotive control without requiring direct physical access.” In other words, Hackers could infiltrate and take command of a car through its cellular modem or Bluetooth connection—or even through music played in a Windows Media Audio format. Testing of Jeep Cherokee showed the car was also vulnerable to hacks. “New Federal legislation aims to establish rules designed to secure cars against hackers and protect personal data privacy,” the article reports. “Rushing to roll out the next big thing, automakers have left cars unlocked to hackers and data-trackers,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. The NHTSA forced Fiat Chrysler to recall some 1.4 million vehicles in order for consumers to have a fix installed for better protection