Car security chips can be cracked

In summary, researchers have discovered a potential weakness in the security chips used in car keys for anti-theft purposes, which could allow hackers to bypass the system in under two hours. The chips are used in about 150 million cars and are also used for the ExxonMobil SpeedPass system. The research team used techniques similar to those used by hackers to break the code in the chips. There is also discussion about the effectiveness of using a steering wheel "club" anti-theft device, as well as concerns about car thieves potentially replacing the steering wheel to bypass the device.
  • #1
The_Professional
428
1
Looks like it's time to get back to the old "club" anti theft device of yesteryears.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200502/s1293334.htm
Security chips used in car keys for anti-theft purposes may be easier to bypass than believed, US researchers said after cracking the codes for the chips in under two hours.

The Johns Hopkins University research team said they cracked the code in the wireless chips aimed at immobilising cars if the proper key is not used.

About 150 million of these chips made by Texas Instruments are in use today, the researchers said.

The system is also used for the wireless ExxonMobil SpeedPass system to buy fuel.

The research team headed by computer scientist Avi Rubin said they employed the type of techniques used by hackers (crackers) to break the code in the radio frequency identification (RFID) chips.

"We haven't altered the security of the TI system. We have merely brought a weakness to light," the team said.

"Our belief is that if scientists did not draw attention to the weaknesses in the system, law breakers might come to discover and exploit it themselves.
 
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Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Haven't you seen "Gone in 60 Seconds?" Just remove the steering wheel with the club attached.

[edit] Should have read the quote.
 
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  • #3
dduardo said:
Haven't you seen "Gone in 60 Seconds?" Just remove the steering wheel with the club attached.

On another note those RFID tags that you can use at the gas stations have also been cracked.

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/01/30/1617240&tid=172&tid=1


If they're serious enough to remove the steering wheel and replace it, then there isn't much you can do to stop them from taking the car.
 
  • #4
Removing the steering wheel from the car and replacing it sounds very time consuming to me. I doubt the effectiveness of this in practice, nor have I heard any news of a carjacker attempting it.
 
  • #5
The_Professional said:
Removing the steering wheel from the car and replacing it sounds very time consuming to me. I doubt the effectiveness of this in practice, nor have I heard any news of a carjacker attempting it.


Probably because is either very effective, or no one does it.
 
  • #6
franznietzsche said:
Probably because is either very effective, or no one does it.

If no one's attempting it then that doesn't sound it would be effective then. Plus the carjacker would have to take into account that he has to bring his own steering wheel to replace it with. And if it doesn't fit the car he would be surrounded before he has the time to finish.

I only saw it in the movie and only took a couple of seconds for Nicholas Cage to pry it out, he must be really that good.
 
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  • #7
If your a professional car thief and going for the top exotic cars you probably will study the car you want steal before you steal it.
 

FAQ: Car security chips can be cracked

What are car security chips?

Car security chips, also known as immobilizer chips, are small electronic devices embedded in a car key or ignition system that prevent unauthorized access to a vehicle. They use encryption technology to communicate with the car's computer and allow the car to start only when the correct chip is present.

How can car security chips be cracked?

Car security chips can be cracked through a process called "key cloning." This involves copying the code from a legitimate key onto a blank chip, which can then be used to start the car. Other methods include using specialized equipment to intercept and decode the communication between the chip and the car's computer.

Why is it important to prevent car security chips from being cracked?

Preventing car security chips from being cracked is important because it helps to prevent car theft. Without the proper chip, a car cannot be started, making it much more difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. This technology has greatly reduced the number of car thefts in recent years.

Can all car security chips be cracked?

While it is possible to crack most car security chips, it is not an easy task. The encryption technology used in these chips is constantly evolving and becoming more difficult to bypass. Additionally, some car manufacturers have implemented additional security measures, such as rolling codes, to make it even harder to crack their chips.

How can car owners protect their car security chips?

Car owners can protect their car security chips by taking simple precautions, such as keeping their keys secure and not leaving them in the car. They can also invest in additional security measures, such as steering wheel locks or tracking devices, to make it even more difficult for thieves to steal their car. Regularly updating the car's software and using strong encryption codes can also help prevent hacking attempts.

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