BMW's Remote Access to our Vehicles?

[Best4x4xFAR]

So every year vehicles are more and more 'connected' than ever. I get that (don't necessarily like it, but get it). So I came across this article:

BMW Remotely Locks Stolen Car With Alleged Thief Still Inside

Okay, I had a laugh, but it brought up memories of the FBI 'forcing' GM's Onstar to 'bug' certain vehicles of suspected criminals, and I'd assume the same capability exists here with the BMW assist system..

What has always really bothered me about the remote connectivity of the vehicles though is vulnerability to hacking/attack.

And then I read this article and it says at the end, "In 2015, BMW announced that it was increasing security on ConnectedDrive after the German Automobile Association found it could wirelessly send any command through the system, which apparently used no encryption. And in July, a security researcher discovered that BMW’s own ConnectedDrive web portal appeared to have vulnerabilities that allowed attackers to hack vehicles through a browser."

Another Article on the vulnerability

And Another..

Uh, Am I the only one this disturbs?

So I have a 2013 Model. I don't pay for BMW Assist, but Realize that the system is likely still accessible by BMW.

• Connected Drive was first incorporated into US vehicles in 2014 I believe, so maybe this doesn't affect my car at all? Or is it still vulnerable though the BMW assist interface that is in my 2013 E70?
• Does anyone know if these security issues have been addressed in any software updates?
• And if so how do I tell if it has been addressed on my vehicle?
• Can the SIM Card be removed, to 'cut the link' on the vehicle, and if so where is it?
• Would removing the SIM Card have any adverse effects, beyond the loss of BMW Assist capability?

**Forgive me if this has been discussed, I searched but didn't really find anything, but it could have been my search skills**

Edit: Appears my 2013 does have Connected Drive..