Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek claimed to have used a laptop to break into the software inside a Toyota Prius and Ford Escape (Picture: PA)

Hackers are set to reveal for the first time how to take control of a car remotely.

Security engineers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek say they have used a laptop to break into the software inside a Toyota Prius and Ford Escape.

They claim it allows them to control the brakes, the accelerator, change the speedometer, flash the headlights, tighten the seat belts and sound the horn at a press of button.

At the same time, two Spanish experts are about to unveil a £16 device which they say lets them bypass security in a car’s electronic control unit.


Javier Vázquez Vidal said: ‘It would take no time to gain total control over a vehicle – deploying an airbag, activating the brakes or immobilising a car.’



The idea of hackers taking control of a car has been mooted for some years but experts fear that, with cars becoming increasingly computerised, it is closer than ever to reality.

In a test drive for a magazine, Mr Miller and Mr Valasek used a MacBook plugged into a Ford’s electronics to speed up the car and slam on the brakes.

They also jerked the car’s steering violently. ‘Imagine you’re driving down a highway at 80 ,’ Mr Valasek said. ‘You’re going into the car next to you or into oncoming traffic. That’s going to be bad times.’

The US pair, who say academics have already shown how to access a car’s system remotely, will reveal more at a security conference next week.

The Spanish researchers will unveil their device at a talk called Dude, WTF In My Car at a hacking conference on Saturday.

Car-makers were quick to play down concerns, insisting their systems were secure.