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The non-profit group, known as I am the Cavalry, is asking attendees at this weekends Def Con hacking conference in Las Vegas to sign an open letter to Automotive CEOs to ask them to implement basic guidelines to defend cars from cyber attacks. Now is the time for the automotive industry and the security community to connect and collaborate. Vehicles rely on tiny computers to manage everything form engines and brakes to navigation, air conditioning and windshield wipers. The Cavalry group is scheduled to make a presentation at Def Con on Saturday about efforts to improve auto security. They will not disclose any specific problems that might embarrass carmakers, said Josh Corman, a security industry professional who co-founded the group a year ago.     That sensitivity contrasts with much of the hacking research presented these days at Def Con, which attracts more than 10,000 attendees.