Blackberry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY)’s QNX automotive software which is used in over 60 million cars, is among the Central Intelligence Agency potential target to hack. This is according to an exposé released by WikiLeaks.
According to WikiLeaks, Central Intelligence Agency notes identified the QNX automotive software as a “potential mission areas” for its Embedded Devices Branch. Central Intelligence Agency worked with spy agencies from the United Kingdom to develop tools to break into Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones, the Android system from Google and Samsung smart TVs. This is according to 8,761 documents released by WikiLeaks on Tuesday.
According to Central Intelligence Agency meeting notes that made mention of QNX and which are dated Oct. 23, 2014, Blackberry Ltd was not aware of the agency’s work. The document however does not explain if the Central Intelligence Agency implemented its hacking strategy on QNX.
BlackBerry spokeswoman said they are not aware on any attack against their products and services.
QNX has become a very important part of BlackBerry’s approach mechanisms to investors as the company shifts toward software after disappearance of phone sales. BlackBerry specializes in making well researched and innovative operating systems mainly for industry products ranging from anti-tank missiles to wind turbines. However, the company specializes itself in car infotainment systems. Recently, BlackBerry has been touting its software as well placed for designing self-driving features as well as the autonomous cars in the future.
BlackBerry which is based in Canada, has been concentrating much on its long standing reputation for security. The company boosts of being the safest choice in an environment where governments and corporations are severally fighting hacking attempts. When security researchers demonstrated how they could hack into a jeep and take control of the car from the driver on a highway, BlackBerry quickly came out to clear the air saying its tech was not part of the scam. The hack led to 1.4 million cars to be recalled by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This was the first auto recall caused by hacking threats.
