Fiat Chrysler to offer rewards to hackers who help it find security flaws

Proactive move: Ford Chrysler's offer comes after independent cybersecurity researchers used a wireless connection to turn off a Jeep Cherokee's engine.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) NV will offer rewards of as much as US$1,500 (RM5,980) to ethical hackers who tell the auto maker about data security weaknesses in its vehicles, the company said.

FCA's move comes a year after independent cybersecurity researchers used a wireless connection to turn off a Jeep Cherokee's engine. The hack, reported in Wired Magazine, alarmed auto makers and regulators, and it led FCA to recall 1.4 million vehicles to prevent the use of a wireless connection to gain control of the vehicle.