The Car Hacker’s Handbook isn’t a guide, it’s a wake-up call to automakers

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Craig Smith readily admits that he’s paranoid by nature. As a digital security professional, paranoia is part of the job description. But unlike most security professionals, Smith is committed to unlocking secrets and demystifying what goes on in your car’s operating software. The theory goes that the best way to improve the code that keeps your car running is to get it out in the open and let everyone take a whack at it.

To help enthusiasts who want to know what’s really going on under the hood, Smith has written The Car Hacker’s Handbook, available now in both paperback and e-book editions from No Starch Press. The book is currently the top seller in its category on amazon.com. Digital Trends caught up with Smith for a discussion of the issues he raises in the book.

“It’s about taking control of what you own,” Smith told Digital Trends. “Back in the day, automobile owner’s manuals had complete wiring diagrams, all the part numbers, and everything you needed to make any modification you wanted. Now they don’t. This book is for traditional mechanics who want to get into the electronic aspects of cars but have been stymied by the lack of information about this aspect and the taboo around it.”