Unfortunate reality for modern cars - keyless can be hacked

[eggsngrits]

http://autos.aol.com/article/keyless...6pLid%3D178303

[tjbell]

Doesn't surprise me. Just like the home security that you can unlock doors from a computer...why the Hell would you want that? Stupid. Recent technology is scary

[wrestrepo]

Still better and safer than keys

[sptsdn]

So what we've learned here is that if someone wants something of yours bad enough, they will find a way to take it. Nothing new here - been that way since the dawn of time.

[96mn12]

makes me thank that I need tech2 and have an electromechanical key, even if its a pita...

[seabench]

Bit of an article misnomer (read: media hype)... As the article states, it's not the keyless algo. being hacked, it is that the debug port is always on and ready to reprogram keys, along with the glass sensor not being as 'good' (hail storm anyone?) as the Saab's

Reminds me of the similar 'huge issu'e 10-15years ago when immobilisers became popular (and the public began reversing this). (Cryto) Security experts scoffed at the car manufacturers' implementations; to which they replied that there were far simpler ways to steal the vehicle (like loading it on the back of a truck).

Originally Posted by tjbell

Doesn't surprise me. Just like the home security that you can unlock doors from a computer...why the Hell would you want that? Stupid. Recent technology is scary

Pin and tumbler technology (what 99% of all homes have on their front doors) isn't really a huge deterrent to professional thieves, though there's generally easier points of entry in a house (eg: glass) than the front door locking mechanism.

[eggsngrits]

Originally Posted by sptsdn

So what we've learned here is that if someone wants something of yours bad enough, they will find a way to take it. Nothing new here - been that way since the dawn of time.

Agree with this. The point in posting is simply to update the new wrinkle in this age-old debate about how far one must go to try to prevent that from happening.

I can see a day coming when the programming port will have some sort of proprietary programming lock out that will put us back to the days of $1000 repair bills if/when the keys go bad, etc.

[Moreno Chulo89]

I have been an ASE certified master tech for over 20 years. Guess what, it's easier than they make it out to be. These fobs can be programmed VIA bluetooth and a smart phone with pirated software. no broken glass, no alarm sound. Those on board computers are bluetooth enabled so we can have wireless diagnostic connections. We also use the Bluetooth connection to program spare fobs or to replace lost ones and as a "Lock-out" road service to unlock the doors for customers that don't subscribe to satalite remote assistance.

Don't know how true this is but it doesnt meet theft and prevention standards if its that easy. Don't think I'll be buying any push to start cars.