Hackers can kill millions if cars are compromised, warns expert

Car hacking should be considered a national security issue, as hackers can "kill millions" of people using hijacked cars, warned an expert.

Deaths are inevitable within five years if car manufacturers do not rush to solve cybersecurity issues and fix vulnerabilities in technology, Justin Cappos, a computer scientist at New York University, was quoted as saying to thetimes.co.uk on Monday.

"Any car built since 2005 could be controlled remotely by hackers with some cars built as long ago as the year 2000 also at risk. Hackers could already be causing accidents without the authorities realising it because no one was looking for the evidence," Cappos said.

"If there was a war or escalation with a country with strong cyber capability, I would be very afraid of hacking of vehicles."

Once a vehicle's internal computer network is hacked, the hackers would be able to tamper with key functions, including the braking system, power steering and locking mechanisms.
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