Is It Secure to Use Bluetooth Low Energy in Cars?

Junko Yoshida, EETimes
4/29/2014 00:01 AM EDT

MADISON, Wis. — Carmakers are planning to exploit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology (which has been rebranded; the more politically correct name today is Bluetooth Smart), so that vehicle owners can open and close doors and windows or adjust seats, mirrors, and lighting, by touching a smartphone/key fob or punching a wirelessly controlled in-vehicle button.

Setting aside the perceived convenience to car users, there's an overwhelming upside for car OEMs to embrace the Bluetooth Smart technology. By going wireless, carmakers can replace the rat's nest of wires strung all over the inside of a car. They can worry less about wiring complexity and wire inventory while reducing overall auto weight. What's not to like?

But here's the thing. How secure is Bluetooth Smart for controlling body electronics inside cars?

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