Online Carjacking

[Martin J]

Not specifically a Lexus issue - though I hope they're working hard to maintain the security of our vehicles - but this item posted today on The Conversation by a PhD student from Coventry University is certainly thought-provoking!

http://theconversation.com/online-carjacking-do-auto-manufacturers-realise-dangers-of-networked-motors-45079

[ColinBarber]

Lexus/Toyota certainly aren't working hard.

They are putting poorly secured systems all on a single BUS within the vehicle so they can reduce costs, the same as the entire car industry. We already know that the smart entry systems currently deployed today are easily circumvented, allowing people to open a Lexus vehicle, and potentially drive it away, from somebody's driveway within seconds using equipment that costs less than £20. Security researchers have proven they can influence the Prius braking system remotely when being driven, a vehicle which uses systems common to most Lexus/Toyota vehicles, provided they can get physical access to the diagnostic port beforehand.

Luckily things aren't quite as bad as the current Uconnect issue that Chrysler are currently facing.

Sadly until there are some deaths nothing will be done, it costs too much to properly secure the systems.