http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015...te-control

The motor industry is miles behind government agencies, the finance industry etc in terms of cyber security. And even government agencies and the finance industry are still very vulnerable and are investing a small fortune in this domain. Even if the motor industry covered the basics (for example, segregated networks, sophisticated authentication, encryption etc etc) there will always be someone who finds a way eventually.

All you can do is hope you won't be in the minority of people who actually get impacted by these vulnerabilities.

Stay lucky.  L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!

Of course, you could just not connect such systems to the internet... Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

Things do not have to be connected to the internet to be vulnerable. Examples:

Keyless entry vehicle thefts
Nuclear reactors / mechanical plant overrides (Stuxnet)
In-flight entertainment system hacks
Bluetooth hacks

....and such. It's the end of the world as we know it! Ok, maybe not that bad. L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!

Yeah, not suggesting that things aren't vulnerable in many other ways, but it is completely unnecessary to have the control systems of a vehicle linked in any way to the internet.

Next thing we will have:

"We are pleased to announce the launch of our new app, i'mAlive. With this app, you can now have full remote control over your loved one's life support machine from the comfort of your living room, a coffee shop or nearest tube station..."  Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

This is really scary stuff. Somehow it doesn´t seem worth it in terms of benefits..
Oh cool, the car can park itself. Then while driving on the highway the car (or hackers) decides to shutdown.. Or park itself against a concrete overpass pillar..

Not my idea of a relaxed drive this remote control driving. I've got a Range Rover and a little Mercedes. I normally drive my Range Rover because I feel like a monster in it. Nobody messes with me.

Emma Bunton