What if viruses, worms or other forms of malware penetrated the computers that control ever more crucial functions in the car?

Now, you might ask, how realistic is that? Come on! -- right?

Microsoft has entered this business, too, having recently signed a deal to provide software for a telematics and diagnostics system to be installed in all Fiats, starting this year.

Oh. (Uh-oh.)

The enterprising eighth grader now positions herself to earn the very first PhD in "secure automotive engineering", a multi-disciplinary degree program offered jointly by the departments of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. (Or is it coming sooner than that?)