
Could semi trucks be the next target for cyber-hijackers? Some alarming new evidence suggests that the industry is at serious risk.
In 2014, a couple of cyber-security researchers proved that they could hack into a Jeep Cherokee over the Internet. Wired reported that they were able to hijack its brakes and transmission. This led to an investigation by The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, followed by a 1.4 million vehicle recall by Chrysler.
Five years earlier, a group of researchers from the University of California at San Diego pulled off the same stunt with a Chevy Impala. However, because this group was discrete—there was no recall. The group only shared the information with GM instead of publicly publishing results. That means that it took GM close to five years to solve its problem against a potential hacking crisis, putting numerous vehicles at risk.
These incidents were a definite warning to car manufacturers. Now the same team has placed their focus on an even bigger threat, by demonstrating the ability to hack a semi truck’s systems — including its acceleration and braking.
They recently released a set of videos demonstrating their findings.
Wired explained,
“By sending digital signals within the internal network of a big rig truck, the researchers were able to do everything from change the readout of the truck’s instrument panel, trigger unintended acceleration, or to even disable one form of semi-trailer’s brakes.”
Even scarier, researchers claim that because of their internal networking system, these planned attacks were even easier to do on a semi truck than a normal car.
Leif Millar noted,
“If you wanted to hijack someone’s car you’d have to know the make and model and tailor the attack. With trucks, it’s all open, so you can just craft one attack.”
The researchers used a laptop to connect to the vehicles through their on-board diagnostic ports.
Then they just looked up standard commands to copy certain signals—it was surprisingly simple. When traveling at speeds under 30 m.p.h. they could completely disable the brakes. They were even able to force the truck to accelerate—without the driver’s permission.
This video shows a researcher revving a tractor’s engine using a laptop.
A researcher added that “It’s pretty safe to hypothesize we’re not far off from coming up with remote attacks as well.”
One of the researchers, Bill Hass, explained his concern.
“These trucks carry hazard chemicals and large loads. And they’re the backbone of our economy. If you can cause them to have unintended acceleration…I don’t think it’s too hard to figure out how many bad things could happen with this.”
These researchers hope to prove that the trucking industry is in serious need of reform. They acknowledge that the potential of hijacking is real and should be taken seriously for safety’s sake.