Keyless/immobiliser theft.... back in the news

[fredgroves]

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!

[Watts]

So my buying an ex-demo without keyless rather than new with has a benefit then! I would've liked heated seats though...

[fredgroves]

Well, maybe, but everyone's immobilizer sucks it seems.

[Watts]

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.

[fredgroves]

Hard to say, they are very vague about the whole issue - probably something to do with VAG's active suppression of the facts..

[corgi]

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...

[Watts]

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.

[fredgroves]

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.

[corgi]

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...

[Watts]

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.