There's no doubt that vehicles have become increasingly computerized over the past few years, and almost every car now boasts a variety of electronic systems that handle everything from GPS to diagnostics. However, some devices have increased the security risks for these models, reports CNN.
At the recent Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas, iSEC Partners security consultant Don Bailey told CNN that he can break into many cars with his Android smartphone. Since cars now connect to the same wireless networks as cell phones and other devices, Bailey says that experienced hackers can then "own" - a hacker term for controlling - these systems and use them against a driver.
For example, a car that can unlock itself or start an engine remotely, in the hands of a hacker, can essentially just allow a technologically-adept thief to easily get away with a vehicle.
However, this security concern is not compeletely unique to the the auto industry, said Bailey.
"I could care less if I could unlock a car door," he told the news source. "It's cool. It's sexy. But the same system is used to control phone, power, traffic systems. I think that's the real threat."