BMW Cars Vulnerable To Blank Key Attack

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

BMW Cars Vulnerable To Blank Key Attack

Posted by timothy on Thursday September 13, 2012 @02:13AM from the now-that-is-a-catchy-slogan dept.

Techmeology writes "Thieves have discovered how to steal BMW cars produced since 2006 by using the onboard computer that is able to program blank keys. The device used — originally intended for use by garages — is able to reprogram the key to start the engine in around three minutes. The blank keys, and reprogramming devices, have made their way onto the black market and are available for purchase over the Internet."

4 of 291 comments (clear)

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

Dupe by Muros · 2012-09-13 02:24 · Score: 5, Informative

http://news.slashdot.org/story/12/07/10/1657203/hackers-steal-keyless-bmw-in-under-3-minutes
Re:In other news: by afgam28 · 2012-09-13 03:45 · Score: 4, Informative

When the car makers all started to introduce engine immobilizers, the rate of car thefts plunged. (An immobilizer is a device that prevents hot wiring)
If your reasoning was true then immobolizers would not have had any effect.
Yes a determined and well equipped theif will always find a way in. Unfortunately, most vehicle thefts are opportunistic crimes, and it is definitely worth trying to prevent that by locking your car.
Re:Imagine if this was self-driving car by gstovall · 2012-09-13 03:48 · Score: 5, Informative

Asimov did study this scenario, and it led to the zeroth law, basically known only to the robots.
0. A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.
As in Star Trek, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one"
Re:And the question is by epedersen · 2012-09-13 04:20 · Score: 4, Informative

and by a bit of a price they meen less then $100 http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-BMW-KEY-PROGRAMMER-/120946886043?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c28ff059b