According to leaked documents, certain automotive software systems can create “potential missions areas”.
Next time you take out your tech-laden vehicle, be aware that the Central Intelligence Agency may use it for “nearly undetectable” assassinations. WikiLeaks released 8,761 documents claiming that they were obtained from a high security network within the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence.
According to documents, the CIA had listed vehicles as potential mission areas back in 2014. They also reportedly investigated the possibility of hacking vehicle systems. BlackBerry’s QNX automotive program, which is currently used in more than 60 million vehicles, is at the heart of all this. QNX is mentioned in the documents as the “mission area” that could potentially be exploited by the CIA’s Embedded Devices Branch – a division of the agency which the documents also expose.
The leaked documents do not make mention of vehicles being used for assassination missions. That assertion comes straight from WikiLeaks, but we do know that modern vehicles are susceptible to hacking, and not just in a see-how-fast-you-were-going kind-of way. After a high-profile hack on a Jeep Cherokee, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had to recall 1.4 million vehicles. The hack took control of the steering wheel and brought the vehicle to an abrupt halt. The recall required a system update. However, anyone who has ever used a computer (that is, everyone reading this and all the billions of others) knows that updates are always being done to address security problems in operating systems.
We don’t believe in conspiracy theories. It is impossible to confirm that the leaked documents were originating from the CIA. They also not suggest hacking cars for assassination missions. We live in an age where cars can drive themselves and are connected to the internet. Even the Fast and Furious franchise recognizes the potential of epic automotive mayhem through hacking. While we won’t be the first ones to criticize every stunt in the series’ car show, the irony that the latest trailer features an army of hacked vehiclesjust as the story ends isn’t lost. Hackers are a real threat. Is the risk of having so much computer control in modern vehicles worth it?