First of a kind: Fiat will recall 1.4m cars to prevent hacking

Researches gained control of internet-enabled vehicle’s engine.

SAN FRANCISCO: Fiat Chrysler will recall 1.4 million vehicles in the United States to install software to prevent hackers from gaining remote control of the engine, steering and other systems in what federal officials said was the first such action of its kind.

The announcement on Friday by FCA US LLC, formerly Chrysler Group LLC, was made days after reports that cyber security researchers used a wireless connection to turn off a Jeep Cherokee’s engine as it drove, increasing concerns about the safety of internet-enabled vehicles.

The researchers used Fiat Chrysler’s telematics system to break into a volunteer’s Cherokee being driven on the highway and issued commands to the engine, steering and brakes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday it would investigate whether FCA’s solution to upgrade software was enough to protect consumers from hackers, although FCA said in its recall announcement that it was unaware of any injuries.

A spokesperson for NHTSA said that it was the first recall of vehicles because of concerns about cyber security, and experts said they hoped it would send a shock through the auto industry and beyond it. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2015.

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