Chrysler recalls 1.4M cars to fix hacking problem

Chrysler is issuing a recall to fix its hackable cars. I'm Bridget Carey. This is your CNET update. [MUSIC] Computer security experts have proved it is possible to hack a 2015 Jeep Cherokee and take control of the car remotely over the internet. Now just a few days after that report was published, the car maker is issuing a recall of 1.4 million vehicles in the United States in order to patch the software. The Fiat Chrysler company recall includes Dodges, Jeeps, Rams and Chryslers with a certain "UConnect" touchscreen entertainment system. Models made between 2013 and 2015 include this display. The hack gained national attention after being demonstrated in this video, created by "Wired" magazine. Researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek were able to wirelessly access the car's entertainment system, which connects to the internet over Sprint's wireless network. System's like these are turning cars into smartphones on wheels. While the jeep was in motion and being driven by Wired reporter Andy Greenberg, the hackers took control of the steering wheel, killed the engine, cut the brakes, Locked the doors, made the entertainment system go crazy, and eventually even sent the car into a ditch. Chrysler's voluntary recall helps customers patch the problem with a software update downloaded to a flash drive. The researchers worked with Chrysler to alert them of the flaw, but get this In the recall notice, Chrysler said in a statement that no defect has been found. So if a massive security hole that lets people access the brakes over the Internet isn't a defect, well then gosh, what do you call it, a planned feature? You know what? How 'bout we just build cars that keep the entertainment system on a separate computer. From the vital systems like the engine and brakes. What a concept. There's a bill now in the Senate that asks for regulators to set some requirements to better protect consumers from car cyber attacks. As cars become more connected, we're opening ourselves up to more risk. In other news, YouTube is updating its mobile app and announced Plans to support 360 degree video for virtual reality later this year. Mobile is making up more than half of the site's views and it updated the Android app with a more streamlined look and more tools for editing and uploading right from your phone. The Android app also shows vertical video now in full screen mode vertically Instead of forcing you to hold it horizontally, with bars on the side. Meanwhile, Facebook wants to take a piece of the video business away from YouTube by encouraging video creators to upload their stuff directly on Facebook. Facebook has added several tools for page owners to manage their video uploads but, unlike YouTube, Facebook doesn't have a set plan to give video creators a piece of the advertising revenue to make money. And the experience of watching video is just different on Facebook. People go to YouTube to watch your video, on Facebook you may just stumble on it in your feed. That's it for this Tech News Update, there's more at cnet.com. From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey. [MUSIC]