White hats can be prosecuted via the CFAA. they usually aren't (most of us are guilty of CFAA penalties) but some companies got sour to fixing their web security and instead would sue and push to prosecute.
So in the early 2010s the white hat community went gray to survive. And companies that don't pay their bounties oe cause trouble don't get pen tested by white hats (at least not when wearing a white hat).
So, all these exploits seemingly still require physical access to the car/product electronics? If so, that seems to make it somewhat less of an issue (but still an issue of course) than if they could gain e.g. root access without physical access to the car or even proximity at all.
I'm not that worried about my laptop in regards to physical access because I don't usually leave it in public unattended for long.
My car? Sometimes that thing sits in a parking spot or paid garage for weeks when traveling. I also leave it unattended in public most times I go brick and mortar shopping.
Someone still needs to physically break in to the car, which will usually trigger alarms and attention. Like I said, it is still cause for concern, but moderate concern IMO. I would be a hell of a lot more worried if it was possible from anywhere in the world to take over my car remotely. The need for physical direct access to electronics inside the vehicle makes it less vulnerable.
Are you worried about leaving your laptop in your house/apartment? Because anyone could also just break in there and have physical access to your stuff, arguably with even more privacy during the act than with a car parked out in public plain view.
That's some sociopath shit right there. But tbh white hat is better -- the people that did this are guaranteed steady paychecks for the rest of their lives, with a lot lower stress than getting one big payday and having to look over your shoulder your whole life
I’d love to hack into all F-150s and remap the maximum throttle opening to maybe 1/2. Also set speed limits to 70 maybe. Or add GPS based limits to keep the fuckers from basically drag racing down my narrow sidewalk less street.
Actually doing Rams is probably best, and remapping diesels to prevent coal rolling would be high on the list too.