Insight: Experts hope to shield cars from computer viruses

[dipsydoodle]

(Reuters) - A team of top hackers working for Intel Corp's security division toil away in a West Coast garage searching for electronic bugs that could make automobiles vulnerable to lethal computer viruses.

Intel's McAfee unit, which is best known for software that fights PC viruses, is one of a handful of firms that are looking to protect the dozens of tiny computers and electronic communications systems that are built into every modern car.

It's scary business. Security experts say that automakers have so far failed to adequately protect these systems, leaving them vulnerable to hacks by attackers looking to steal cars, eavesdrop on conversations, or even harm passengers by causing vehicles to crash.

"You can definitely kill people," said John Bumgarner, chief technology officer of the U.S. Cyber Consequences Unit, a non-profit organization that helps companies analyze the potential for targeted computer attacks on their networks and products.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/20/us-autos-hackers-idUSBRE87J03X20120820

[AdHocSolver]

1. Sensible solution: Don't interconnect critical and noncritical systems, and...

...don't interconnect critical systems to the internet.

If hackers can't access a critical system, they can't sabotage it.

Secondly, design systems to "fail" into a noncritical state that leaves the driver in control of the vehicle, rather than have a failed computer remain in control.

I worked in electronics and computers for many years. The solution is not rocket science.

Marketing gimmickry and the desire to cut costs to maximize profits, however, takes precedence over common sense solutions.