IT seems that the modern car thief is looking to the clouds to drive autocrime into a new generation.

Certain things came to light after researchers exposed security vulnerability in Mitsubishi Outlander hybridvehicles that allowed hackers to remotely turn off the car's alarm system, control the lights and drain the battery.

Now, stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER, which has been a long-standing campaigner against vulnerable vehicle security systems, warns that in-car wi-fi and cloud based applications present a wide range of opportunities for thieves to attack, making it even more difficultfor modern cars to be completely secure from determined hackers.

Head of Police Liaison at TRACKER, and a former Chief Superintendent for South Yorkshire Police, Andy Barrs said: "The latest security breach, involving the Mitsubishi Outlander, demonstrates just how advanced thieves are in developing their tactics to tackle new technology.

"Although manufacturers are constantly developing new immobiliser systems, designed to outpace criminals and make new models significantly more secure, thieves will continue to look for new ways to outwit them, including exploiting telematics and mobile connectivity.

"Of late, standalone key programming theft tools have been making news headlines, but over the next decade, cloud-based theft tools that simply require internet connection are anticipated to dominate.

"By hacking this type of technology thieves are able to easily target the most desirable models and steal to order, requiring no tools to enter or drive the vehicle away."

Mitsubishi has said it is investigating the claims about the Outlander and said that any such 'hack' would give only limited access to the car's systems, advising owners worried about the situation to de-activate the onboard wi-fi.

However, it makes you wonder where all this is going to end.

As soon as the world's manufacturers come up with a market leading security solution there is always someone beavering away in the background trying to get round it. The whole thing is a secret war which needs a final solution.

One expert told me that future generation cars may need eye detection scanners to make them secure. A bit sci-fi, but it will stop the kids walzting off with the car when you need it.