ArcaMax

It's not just cars, either. The FBI reported that a hacker managed to access a commercial jet's flight controls - which are "fly-by-wire" in the latest generation jets. Now, the Jeep Incident was planned. Wired.com writer Andy Greenberg worked with professional hackers to see whether it could be done. They succeeded. Which means other, not-so-professional hackers could succeed, too. That's the take-away point here.

And there's more to it than just over-riding the car's controls. The car (meaning you) can also easily be tracked - and conversations within the car monitored and recorded, all without the knowledge - much less consent - of the car's owner and his passengers. It's not just a creepyidea. It's a certifiable fact.

Many new cars come equipped with microphones - a key component of the voice command (you can instruct the car to do various things, such as call someone) systems now common in new cars. They're tied into Bluetooth wireless or some equivalent. Those wireless signals can be hijacked (or tapped into). It is absolutely the case that someone could be watching you - and more - in almost any new car. And probably is - whether you realize it or not.

True story: Several years ago, I was driving a new Cadillac press car loaner equipped (as all GM cars are) with OnStar. Being a conscientious automotive journalist, I was evaluating the Caddy's lateral grip capabilities. In mid-corner, wheels cocked and the Caddy's ass end hanging out, a woman's voice erupted from the dashboard - asking whether I needed emergency services. OnStar had registered excessive G forces and narced me out to the GM version of Big Brother. Well, Big Sister, in this case.

I told the woman - once I'd recovered (and managed to maintain control of the car, after what amounted to an unexpected auditory Tazering) that, no, I was fine. But the experience shook me. Because at that moment, I knew I was not alone - even though there was no one in the car but me. That was about five years ago.

Back then, all they could do was monitor you. Now - courtesy of integrated drive-by-wire control of pretty much everything in the car and the ubiquity of Bluetooth wireless and (soon) in-car WiFi access, the car can by physically controlled, too. It's a Terminator scenario. Only it's not the machines who are in control. It's just not you that's in control.

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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.