Automakers Learn From White Hat Hackers

Aug. 13, 2019—At a conference last weekend, hackers tried their hand at breaking into the control units of cars and taking over driving functions, according to a report by Reuters.

Automakers collaborated with white hat hackers, who are cyber experts that specialize in discovering vulnerabilities to help organizations, at the DEF CON security convention in Las Vegas.

Attendees who visited the car hacking site had to escape a vehicle by deciphering the code to open its trunk, control its radio volume and speed, and lock the doors through their computers. Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler and suppliers Aptiv PLC and NXP Semiconductors NV were among the sponsors of the event.

“Carmakers have been discovering new issues with their traditional architectures thanks to white hat hackers, which highlighted security needs for carmakers and suppliers alike,” said Assaf Harel, chief scientist of Karamba Security, who operated a station at the event.