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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: fredgroves on 18 August 2015, 12:59

Title: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: fredgroves on 18 August 2015, 12:59
Story here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33906051

More details here:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/18/vw_vulnerability_report_usenix/

VAG taking legal action to suppress this disclosure for several years? Thanks VAG!
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: Watts on 18 August 2015, 14:06
So my buying an ex-demo without keyless rather than new with has a benefit then! I would've liked heated seats though...
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: fredgroves on 18 August 2015, 14:07
Well, maybe, but everyone's immobilizer sucks it seems.
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: Watts on 18 August 2015, 14:21
I'm probably wrong since I'm making assumptions having done absolutely no research whatsoever, but since thefts by stealing keys get reported but I don't recall any thefts sans keys then at present these thefts are rare? Or perhaps the more sophisticated method required is saved for more upmarket models? I wouldn't want my (or anyone elses) car to be stolen but should there be a choice I'd prefer this method than having my house invaded to steal the keys and/or me/OH being threatened.
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: fredgroves on 18 August 2015, 14:51
Hard to say, they are very vague about the whole issue - probably something to do with VAG's active suppression of the facts..
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: corgi on 18 August 2015, 15:56
I'm probably wrong since I'm making assumptions having done absolutely no research whatsoever, but since thefts by stealing keys get reported but I don't recall any thefts sans keys then at present these thefts are rare? Or perhaps the more sophisticated method required is saved for more upmarket models? I wouldn't want my (or anyone elses) car to be stolen but should there be a choice I'd prefer this method than having my house invaded to steal the keys and/or me/OH being threatened.

There are periodic reports about cars being stolen without keys, I recall a few locally - this related to Landrovers/Rangerovers and I do recall others. I suspect that these sorts of thefts are not common but are becoming less common over time...

There was a police report a while back which, if I remember correctly, suggested on average single figure but significant percentage of thefts occur like this and it is growing. As the kit to perpetrate these crimes becomes cheaper and the skills more widespread then they will increase...
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: Watts on 18 August 2015, 16:25
Thanks Corgi, I suppose it's like most things related to technology, it takes a while to filter through. It's got to be a better bet for the criminals as (again guessing) I'd have though any punishment for stealing a car electronically has to be less than if you commit/threaten violence in order to obtain the keys. Hopefully the manufacturers will eventually bolster their cars defences but it has to be better than in the old days of being able to break into most cars with simple tools and drive off.
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: fredgroves on 18 August 2015, 16:35
s but it has to be better than in the old days of being able to break into most cars with simple tools and drive off.

No, instead they will have a laptop or a tablet with some point and click piece of software that opens your car and starts the engine instead.

Guaranteed it won't need some sort of hacker to use, it will be turned into an app anyone can mash the buttons on like most hack tools.

Plus plod will not be looking for a bent coat hanger and a screwdriver, but some software on a device that they won't find without forensics...

Definitely not better.
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: corgi on 18 August 2015, 16:54
s but it has to be better than in the old days of being able to break into most cars with simple tools and drive off.

No, instead they will have a laptop or a tablet with some point and click piece of software that opens your car and starts the engine instead.

Guaranteed it won't need some sort of hacker to use, it will be turned into an app anyone can mash the buttons on like most hack tools.

Plus plod will not be looking for a bent coat hanger and a screwdriver, but some software on a device that they won't find without forensics...

Definitely not better.

Hence the need for automotive manufacturers to invest in more effective security, rather than trying to suppress the fact that their security is flawed...
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: Watts on 18 August 2015, 17:49
This article sums it up for me: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/11558743/Number-of-cars-stolen-in-the-UK-falls-to-48-year-low.html

We are far safer from this sort of crime than most of us have been in our lifetimes and despite the issues the op has highlighted, I suspect things won't get significantly worse for some time to come. And should the worst unfortunately happen, so long as no-one is hurt it is just a car and that is what insurance is for. Which reminds me, must sort out some GAP cover soon.
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: fredgroves on 19 August 2015, 07:28
I should imagine the insurance companies are busy working out the risk now... and if there isn't a move by VAG then likely as not they will be declining to insure vehicles for theft...

Having worked in insurance, I can tell you that they don't provide cover for your convenience, its all about their profit - profit which will evaporate once the nations scum realise how rich the pickings are.
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: linc-dub on 19 August 2015, 08:10
Don't panic - An article in Mail Online yesterday said that Mk7 Golfs and new Passat's were not affected by this as they have since upgraded / changed the system - hopefully a lesson learned from their 2012 findings!
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: JB GTI on 19 August 2015, 09:03
Don't panic - An article in Mail Online yesterday said that Mk7 Golfs and new Passat's were not affected by this as they have since upgraded / changed the system - hopefully a lesson learned from their 2012 findings!

........And relax  :whistle:
Title: Re: Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news
Post by: fredgroves on 19 August 2015, 09:23
(https://bigjewonadiet.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/daily-mail-everything-gives-you-cancer.jpg)