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Wednesday 23 May 2018

Buggy Beemers

From the BBC we are reminded of a treat for modern car owners - the software update. First it was the computer, then the phone and now it's the car.

BMW's car computer systems have been found to contain 14 separate flaws, according to a study by a Chinese cyber-security lab.

They could, in theory, let hackers take at least partial control of affected vehicles while in use.

The researchers identified ways to compromise the cars by plugging in infected USB sticks, as well via contactless means including Bluetooth and the vehicles' own 3G/4G data links.

BMW is working on fixes.

Its customers have been advised to keep an eye out for software updates and other counter-measures from the German company over the coming months.

3 comments:

Sam Vega said...

"Hello? Is that Customer Services? I'd like to complain about the electric tin-opener I bought last month."

"I'm sorry to hear one of our products is not a source of satisfaction, sir. What seems to be the trouble?"

"Well, it was working nicely, but a month to the day after I bought it it just stopped while I was opening a tin of spaghetti hoops, and there's a little red light flashing."

"Ah, that will be the software update reminder. Just put the tin opener somewhere near your computer, fill in our on-line direct debit form and then we'll send some magic through your screen to update the software so you can use it again. We'll add the cost of this consultation to your direct debit so you won't be bothered again."

"So how often will I need to pay for an updating?"

"At least every month, sir, but if we have to make a lot of the manual tin-opener sales team redundant there will probably be surcharges..."

Demetrius said...

Sam Vegas - oh yes, very good. My 1934 Austin 7 never had any of these problems. Mind you at 40+ mph the wheels fell off.

A K Haart said...

Hi Mr Vega, a report submitted to us by your tin-opener suggests you may have intended to consume an out of date tin of spaghetti hoops. While this is still legal under current Nutrition and Wellbeing laws, our tin-opener has the right to decline your request to open such a tin.

However as a token of our goodwill we enclose a copy of the recent government white paper on proposed extensions to Nutrition and Wellbeing laws concerning which your tin-opener has already supplied some interesting data.

Demetrius - at least your Austin 7 was simple and how many commuters get up to 40 mph these days?