Security researchers hack a car and apply the brakes via text

Vulnerability revealed in diagnostic dongles used for vehicle tracking and insurance that lets them take control using just an SMS

Researchers have hacked a car, remotely activated its windscreen wipers, applied its brakes and even disabled them, all via simple text messages.

A group of researchers from University of California, San Diego discovered a serious weak point in vehicle security that allows hackers to take remote control of a car or lorry thanks to small black dongles that are connected to the vehicles' diagnostic ports.