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Is Your GPS Naive?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the what's-a-dikfor-anyway dept.

mi writes "Many GPS devices today will try to scan the FM bands for traffic advisories in the area to display on their screens. The signals, however, are neither authenticated nor encrypted, and one can — with commonly available electronics — construct a device to broadcast bogus advisories. Possible codes range from "bullfight ahead" to "terrorist attack"..."

13 of 291 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Now, why would there be... by HerrEkberg · · Score: 5, Funny

    That's the point of the "terrorist attack" code. Terrorists use it to create havoc, panic and destruction.

  2. Alternatives by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    It would be much more fun to try for "Jelly wrestling ahead" and watch people panic TOWARDS the area.

  3. Social hack - use "bullfight" for "speed trap". by khasim · · Score: 5, Funny

    If there isn't one specifically for "speed trap", then re-purpose one of the lesser used code. I'd recommend "bullfight" just because there will be very few instances of its legitimate usage.

    1. Re:Social hack - use "bullfight" for "speed trap". by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      I'd recommend "bullfight" just because there will be very few instances of its legitimate usage.

      But then what do we use to notify others of cock-blockers?

    2. Re:Social hack - use "bullfight" for "speed trap". by Deagol · · Score: 2, Funny
      Some of us actually *do* drive the speed limit. I sure do. Not necessarily because I think the limits/laws are just, but I'll be damned if I'm giving any more of my money to the State or my damned insurance agent. And I plan my trips accordingly.

      To that end, not much brings a smile to my face more than driving at the speed limit on cruise control (which I always do) in the passing lane, and pissing-off some Type-A driver who thinks he can sleep in 30 minutes later before his morning commute and make up for it by breaking the law. No, I don't habitually sit in the passing lane, but riding my ass is not going to influence me to go over the speed limit as I inch past that 18-wheeler that's going 74 MPH on the interstate when I'm going 75. If anything, someone tailgating me is usually treated to my slowing down -- one 1-MPH click on the cruise control panel at a time. :)

      --
      Method of processing duck feet
    3. Re:Social hack - use "bullfight" for "speed trap". by JWSmythe · · Score: 3, Funny


          Adjust your driving accordingly.

          Crown Victoria (2006/2007 models)
              max speed 120/130mph (dependant on gearing)
              0-60 8.7 sec

          Highway - open, available exits

          If you're traveling at 60mph, it would take them about 15 seconds to match your speed (leaving the side of the road). That puts 1/4 mile between you and the patrol car before speed is matched.

          If you're traveling at 120mph, it would take them about 15 seconds to get to 60mph, at which you're already 1/2 mile away. It's an unknown period before they reach max speed, but most sedans of that size that I've driven, the top end is tough. Say another 30 seconds to pass 100. You're more like 1 mile away.

          But, when you see the patrol accelerating hard to match your speed, do you slow down? You could. You're going to get a ticket.

          Push it up to 150. Now there will be no closing speed. The gap will always get larger. Then take the exit of your choice when you're out of view, and taken an alternative route.

          Of course, this is the day you're wishing you hadn't bought a fire engine red Ferrari, driving through Sticksville.

          If you're driving a common-enough looking car, you're home free. If you're driving something half-way unique that couldn't be identified when you passed his stopped patrol car at 120mph (what'd that bumper sticker say?), there's nothing to really worry about. It won't necessarly be him looking for you. Ya, radio ... faster than ... blah blah.

          People are generally law abiding. They hit the brakes when they see the cop, and pray to not get the ticket. It doesn't matter. He already got you on radar. You're still screwed when you stop. Well, assuming he catches up with you.

          Don't be the idiot on cops though. I love the ones who get in a one-car wreck running from the cops. Those are people who shouldn't have been driving anywhere near as high as the speedlimit in the first place. :)

      --
      Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
    4. Re:Social hack - use "bullfight" for "speed trap". by DrSkwid · · Score: 2, Funny

      I've been driving for 20 years and in my time :

      I've done 100mph in a 30 zone.
      Driven at 8x legal alcohol.
      Overtaken in the wrong lane.
      Fallen asleep at the wheel.
      Done 140mph on the motorway (70 mph limit).
      Driven under the influence of drugs.
      Driven 10 miles to work using peripheral vision only.
      Taken part in street races.

      And I have 0 tickets (except for 2 parking tickets) and NEVER caused an accident.

      What's your point ?

      --
      There are places where the networks are not touching,and there are places where they are-Boeing's Lori Gunter
    5. Re:Social hack - use "bullfight" for "speed trap". by owndao · · Score: 2, Funny

      Before trying this, note that police radios convey information at 186,282 mps -- a good bit faster than any of the current means of human conveyance.

      --
      Be as you would have the world become.
  4. Re:Remember Boston by arthurpaliden · · Score: 4, Funny

    Because the device has batteries, wires and flashing lights so therefore it must be a terrorist device, hence the code.

    --
    Undetectable Steganography? Yep, there's an app fo
  5. Re:Now, why would there be... by UbuntuDupe · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah, good point. But WE are smarter than them. So ... hm, what to do. OH!!!! I know! If there's ever a terrorist attack, all of the news networks should just ignore it entirely! That way people will be in complete ignorance that it's happened. (I mean, except maybe for eyewitnesses calling friends and relatives, but that can easily be banned.)

    I mean, informing people about terrorist attacks is just playing into their hands.

    --
    Apology to Ubuntu forum.
  6. Re:Now, why would there be... by hattig · · Score: 2, Funny

    I don't think they'd panic.

    They'd merely alter their route so they could meerkat the carnage as they drove past. Heavens Forbid that they miss the chance to see such a disaster with their very own eyes, driving past at 10mph looking to the side rather than straight ahead. Wow, is that a dead body? That's something to tell the kids tonight!

  7. Re:An even better application: by RealSurreal · · Score: 4, Funny

    Here in the UK I think you'd find it more efficient to broadcast a message when there wasn't a speed trap ahead.

  8. Re:IT'S SPELT NAÏVE! by Goaway · · Score: 3, Funny

    "ï" is not an "umlauted i". "Umlaut" is a feature of German and other related languages, where "i" is never umlauted. English does not have umlauts at all. It uses the double-dot symbol to mark a diaeresis, not an umlaut.

    This is been a lesson in nitpicking, you fucker.