The hack affected the infotainment systems of 1.4 million Jeep Cherokees

Hacking threat restricted to Chryslers supplier says

The supplier of an infotainment system that was hacked, leading to the recall of 1.4 million vehicles last month, said the issue is restricted to Fiat Chrysler.

Harman International Industries's Kardon-branded infotainment products are part of the Italian-American firm's Internet-connected Uconnect telematics system, a collection of driver aids and entertainment services.

A software vulnerability in the Uconnect, which also uses software and network connectivity provided by other companies, was recently used by cyber-security experts to hack into a Jeep Cherokee being driven on the highway.

"We do not believe this problem exists in any other car outside of Fiat Chrysler," Harman chief executive Dinesh Paliwal said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday.

The two companies have worked together to issue a software update for the recalled vehicles and has provided customers with additional software to improve security in the future.

"Our system was safe and secure," Paliwal said, adding that the issue apparently started due to a "hole" or port opening in a network. "Once you leave the door of the house open, somebody will walk in and they can do whatever they want," he added.

Fiat Chrysler declined to comment. Apart from Fiat Chysler, Harman's customers for infotainment systems include BMW, Daimler and Volvo, among many others.

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