Simple hack unlocks 100 million Volkswagen vehicles by Patrick Howell O’Neill.
From the post:
Some 100 million Volkswagens are vulnerable to hackers who discovered key vulnerabilities that allow them to unlock the doors of the most popular cars on earth, according to a new research paper first reported by Wired.
University of Birmingham computer scientist Flavio Garcia was already widely known for working with colleagues to find major security flaws in Volkswagens last year that enabled hackers to quickly takeover a keyless car.
The new attack could result in the theft of anything kept in a car.
When you put the two attacks together, you have a recipe for getting into and driving off with a stolen car in less than 60 seconds—Nic Cage-caliber grand theft auto.
Actually, you don’t need to be as good as Nic Cage at all. A thief can pull this off with cheap equipment like a TI Chronos smart watch.
…
In the interest of “responsible” disclosure, you will have to reconstruct some of the research for yourself.
There is a simple and absolute defense to this hack:
You can order one of these starting at $239.00.
Compared to the aggravation of having your Volkswagen stolen?
Thieves will pick an easier target.
(Be innovative in your security thinking.)