Cars use the same wireless technologies that power cellphones and Bluetooth headsets, which can make them vulnerable to remote attacks. Scientists from California and Washington state issued a report identifying ways in which computers in vehicles could be delivered to automobiles — via onboard diagnostic systems, wireless connections and even tainted CDs played on the stereo.
"I don't think people need to worry now, but the future is scary," said Stuart McClure, an expert on automotive security who recently stepped down as a worldwide chief technology officer for McAfee.
"There is a host of opportunities" for hackers to target connected vehicles, McClure warned, highlighting the growing attack surface as cars become increasingly computerized.