Hackers find car system weaknesses
DETROIT — As cars become more like PCs on wheels, what’s to stop a hacker from taking over yours? In recent demonstrations, hackers have shown they can slam a car’s brakes at freeway speeds, jerk the steering wheel and even shut down the engine — all from their laptop computers.
The hackers are publicizing their work to reveal vulnerabilities present in a growing number of car computers. All cars and trucks contain anywhere from 20 to 70 computers. They control everything from the brakes to acceleration to the windows, and are connected to an internal network. A few hackers have recently managed to find their way into these intricate networks.
Gimme a break: ‘KitKat’ Android system
NEW YORK — Gimme a break, Google. Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar. The tech giant, which is known for nick-naming its Android mobile operating systems for smartphones and tablets after desserts, has for the first time chosen a brand-name candy for its 4.4 version that’s expected to launch this fall: Kit Kat.
That’s right, the new version shares a name with the chocolate candy bar with the well-known “Gimme a Break” jingle. Kit Kat packaging will show Android’s green robot mascot breaking a Kit Kat bar.
‘Cyber Aces’ identifies skills
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois officials are offering a computer challenge to help people identify whether they’re skilled in the emerging field of cyber-security.
The “Cyber Aces State Championship” is gearing up for its second round. Department of Employment Security officials say it is part of Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to help the state economy grow, increase public safety and help veterans, students and those changing careers get into a burgeoning cyber workforce.
The online competition focuses on computer networking, operating systems and system administration, and anyone can compete. Participants must go to the state website (cyberaces.org).
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