Intel is working to make smart cars safe from hackers

Intel is trying to become a leader in the effort to keep cars safe from hackers. The company announced Monday that it will form an Automotive Security Review Board, which will be composed of researchers who will test car security and recommend ways manufacturers can design safer vehicles. The security — or lack thereof — of cars connected to the Internet has come to the forefront in recent months as researchers proved they could commandeer a Jeep Cherokee and manipulate its transmission and brakes from more than 10 miles away earlier this summer, prompting Jeep-maker Fiat Chrysler to recall more than 1 million vehicles. “The reality is, we’re implementing so much more functionality in automobiles that it delivers great value, but it also exposes more attack surfaces,” says Lorie Wigle, general manager for “Internet of Things” security at Intel. She says the company’s car products, including processors and infotainment systems, already include built-in security. Nearly all cars could be vulnerable to hacks, according to a report published by Sen. Ed Markey’s (D-Mass.) office in February.