Stacey asked Susan Sleeman:

Hi Susan, I have been reading your Cold Harbor series, and I love the characters, setting, struggles, and romance. I do have a question. Are some of the situations your characters experience true life situations? For example a hacker taking over the controls in a vehicle, or hacking a hotel's communication boards. I'm curious if these events have actually happened, or if they come from your creative imagination.

Susan Sleeman Hi Stacey,
I am so glad you are liking the Cold Harbor series. Most of the situations my characters face are based on real life, though I take creative license with them.

Researchers have hacked and taken control of cars. I watched videos of the hacked car's driver trying to control his car in the middle of heavy traffic. It was scary! Hacking into a hotel's network is something I came up with, but it wouldn't be difficult for a good hacker to do. I imagine it has even happened in the real world.

One thing everyone should know is if there is a computer - that includes things like smart phones, televisions, even refrigerators - it can be hacked. No computer or computer network is completely safe, and given time, a talented hacker can find his way around the security. In fact, I am beginning a new series where the WITSEC database is hacked and the hacker begins selling off the witness's personal information. This has not actually happened, but it is possible. It's all very scary, yet real!

I hope this answers your question and thank you for purchasing the Cold Harbor books!
Susan

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