Alphabet's Self-Driving Cars to Get Their First Real Riders

Re:Alphabet's Self-Driving Cars to Get Their First Real Riders by Qwertious on Tuesday April 25, 2017 @01:51PM (#14196201)

In all seriousness, ransomware that would kill someone won't be a remotely common thing - for one thing, it will be represented as "$COMPANY's lack of security KILLS PERSON X", and the bill for the ransom will need to be paid by them.

And then the cops/secret-service would get involved. If there's a death involved (and reason to believe more will occur in the future, which would be necessary for ransom as a prolonged business model), then they will come down on any ransomware (and responsible negligent parties, such as auto companies with shitty security) like a TON OF BRICKS.

Plus, there's still a lucrative malware model that goes like this: Infect the car, then quietly make it steal itself in the middle of the night (or at your moment of choice). Bam, you now have a stolen car that you can't be connected to, and nobody will notice for a while.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Alphabet's Self-Driving Cars to Get Their First Real Riders by ForHackernews on Tuesday April 25, 2017 @02:55PM (#14196850)

I think this is correct. Criminals aren't stupid. It'd be much safer (in terms of risk of authorities coming after them) to have ransomware where the car just refuses to go anywhere, or drives you to a far-away location, until you pay up.

People will pay a fair amount of money to avoid a major inconvenience, but "my car won't start" is a lot less likely to have the FBI beating down your door.

[ Parent | on HN ]