Hackers and security experts join hands to improve vehicle security

A unique initiative will bring a group of hackers and security professionals together to build better ties with the auto industry aimed at working on improvements in vehicle security, a fast- growth cyber research area, Reuters reported.

The non-profit group, which goes by the name "I am the Cavalry," called on this weekend's Def Con hacking conference participants in Las Vegas to sign an open letter to "Automotive CEOs" to ask them to implement basic guidelines for defending cars against cyber attacks.

"The once distinct worlds of automobiles and cyber security have collided," said the letter. "Now is the time for the automotive industry and the security community to connect and collaborate."

Vehicles incorporate tiny computers that control the operation and performance of all systems and components from engines and brakes to navigation, air conditioning and windshield wipers.

According to security experts, it was only a matter of time before malicious hackers would be able to exploit software glitches and other vulnerabilities to try to harm drivers.

The Cavalry group would make a presentation at Def Con today about efforts to improve auto security.

According to Josh Corman, a security industry professional who co-founded the group a year ago, they would not disclose any specific problems that might embarrass carmakers,

Meanwhile, at this year's Def Con, the extremely reclusive John McAfee, founder of the McAfee antivirus software company, is the surprise keynote speaker, Fox News reported.

According to McAfee, he believed that the world needed the collective talents of hackers more than ever. He added the public's fundamental right to privacy was being eroded at an alarming rate by invasive and misappropriated technology, and as privacy got diminished, so were our freedoms.

He added, concerned people needed to take a stand now and join forces, or he feared, the erroneous turn would soon become irreversible.