desert dweller
Trail Wise!
Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
Posts: 6,293
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Post by desert dweller on Jul 21, 2015 15:33:35 GMT -8
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 16:22:45 GMT -8
I dislike seeing this trend, but I suspect we are headed in that direction with many if not most new vehicles. Most of us have been driving computers for years. But the proportion that are connected to a wireless network of some sort is growing. Vehicles as old as 20 years or more do a diagnostic check upon start up. My three-year-old pickup involves a brake check in that diagnostic routine. But I can also call OnStar and get a full electronic diagnostic check of ignition, engine, airbag systems etc on demand in a matter of seconds.
People with even newer designs and key fobs can have their doors unlocked and engines started from virtually anywhere on the globe where there is cell-phone reception. The more that brakes, steering, transmission, airbags etc become electronically- rather than mechanically-connected, the more potential there becomes for hackers to control a vehicle.
Personal computers, from desktop to hand-held cell phones are so commonplace. But when friends are baffled by freeze-up screens, slow-speeds, etc, I ask them about their anti-virus software, if they use cleanup software such as CCleaner or run a Malwarebytes scan, and they invariably ask, "What's that?" So they take their computers to a "repair shop," and the shop would rather sell them a new hard drive than scan their current hard drive for malware, help them understand how to schedule regular virus scans etc.
In short, most people I know would never keep their houses in the same sort of mess they keep their computers.
Now add to this mix new automobiles that may need software updates every week as we "progress" upon the road of connectivity every waking moment. I drive to get away from computers and get close to the backcountry. There I leave my somewhat-computerized vehicle in a blind spot from cell towers. Such blind spots are easy to find in my area. There I chuck connectivity for how ever long it takes to mollify me.
I don't care to have the latest automatic, "convenience" fixtures and downloadable entertainment system in my vehicle. My best entertainment is getting away from connectivity and convenience. I still do not own a cell phone, but yeah, my new pickup came with a phone. I virtually never use it.
I like to Keep It Simple. But that is not the way new vehicles are going.
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swmtnbackpacker
Trail Wise!
Back but probably posting soon under my real name ... Rico Sauve
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Jul 21, 2015 19:29:44 GMT -8
Figured something like this would eventually happen, but computer controlled driving is the wave of the future (commercial and private). More to save on maintenance costs, but my 2006 vehicle doesn't even have electric windows or locks. Not sure I could get another plain Jane auto new.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 21:28:10 GMT -8
Nah, it's real easy, I can disconnect my Onstar in an instant, and except for this computer, I do almost everything the old fashioned way. I get a whole lot of satisfaction from not making things convenient.
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walkswithblackflies
Trail Wise!
Resident terrorist-supporting eco-freak bootlicker
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Jul 22, 2015 4:36:58 GMT -8
I have a military friend who knows guys in a "cyber-defense" unit. Let's just say ignorance is bliss.
A few years ago I was doing some building design work at a cyber defense installation. Long story short, I was escorted by several individuals through a number of secure doors, each with an increasing level of security... exterior gate, exterior door, interior "lobby" door, interior office door, vault door (like a bank safe), vault door, and another vault door which opened into a tiny 5' x 8' office. The only thing in the office was a tiny desk, a chair, and ONE computer. I was going to ask my escort "WHAT IS ON THAT COMPUTER?!?!", but the second I started moving my mouth, they pre-empted "Don't even ask".
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jul 22, 2015 5:44:39 GMT -8
I guess there's only one solution... ![](http://www.dzcues.com/images/chevelle-66/IMG_3027c.jpg)
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sarbar
Trail Wise!
After being here since 2001...I couldn't say goodbye yet!
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Post by sarbar on Jul 27, 2015 11:27:27 GMT -8
The patch isn't hard to do - if you know your way around computers. It exploits an easy way in. Close the hole.....but for most people it is going to be a visit to the dealership to do this.
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