Hackers ‘carjack,’ commandeer vehicle via Internet

SAN FRANCISCO, United States – Fiat Chrysler said Wednesday it is offering a software patch for some of its Internet-connected vehicles after a report showing hackers seizing control of a moving 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

Fiat Chrysler claimed no first-hand knowledge of any of its vehicles being hacked and released a statement saying that software updates are sometimes required “for improved security protection to reduce the potential risk of unauthorized and unlawful access to vehicle systems.”

A Wired story by journalist Andy Greenberg’s published on Monday told of hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek remotely commandeering a Cherokee as part of an arranged demonstration of a vulnerability.

Greenberg described how hackers working from laptop computers at home tinkered with the Cherokee’s steering and brakes as well as the radio, windshield wipers and more.

Fiat Chrysler released free software updates for computerized UConnect systems in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models made in 2013 and 2014, and some versions of the 2015 Chrysler 200.

A UConnect website on Wednesday featured a box where people could enter vehicle identification numbers to find out if they need the software update. UConnect systems handle entertainment, phone, navigation, voice commands and controls, according to the website.