WAR DRIVING:  Now that cars are just platforms and Ford is starting an apps store, how long before we see auto-malware?  Not long, say researchers from the University of Washington, who managed to breach automobile networks using keyless entry systems.  They were able to disengage or engage brakes (sometimes one wheel at a time), overriding the driver entirely.  And in a move that may make this the first scientific paper to be turned into a major motion picture, they launched a “Self-Destruct” mode:

“a 60-second count-down is displayed on the DriverInformation Center (the dash), accompanied by clicks at an increasing rate and horn honks in the last few seconds. In our demo, this sequence culminated with killing the engine and activating the door lock relay (preventing the occupant from using the electronic door unlock button).”

Looks like skating is for pikers; soon we’ll all be driving on stilts.