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Car Thieves Arrested After Using Laptop and Malware To Steal More Than 30 Jeeps (abc13.com)
New submitter altnuc writes: Two thieves in Houston stole more than 30 Jeeps by using a laptop and a stolen database. The thieves simply looked up the vehicles' VIN numbers in a stolen database, reprogramed a generic key fob, started the cars, and drove away. Chrysler has confirmed that more than 100 of their vehicles have been stolen in the Houston area since November. Chrysler/Jeep owners should always make sure their vehicles are locked! The Wall Street Journal issued a report in July with more details about how hackers are able to steal cars with a laptop. The whole process takes roughly 6 minutes. CrimeStopHouston has posted a video on YouTube of one of the thieves in action.
The thieves simply looked up the vehicles' VIN numbers in a stolen database, reprogramed a generic key fob, started the cars, and drove away. Chrysler has confirmed that more than 100 of their vehicles have been stolen in the Houston area since November. Chrysler/Jeep owners should always make sure their vehicles are locked!
They're duplicating the key fob. If it's good enough to start the car it's good enough to unlock the damned thing.
Even better, the VIN is easily readable from outside the car. This whole thing smacks of TSA level security. That is, look like you're doing something while creating a bottleneck, when in reality all you're doing is creating a bottleneck.
I'm not sure locking the car will make any difference. My guess is they can hack into the electronic ignition they can hack into the electronic door locks as well.
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. George Orwell
You may be onto something. If you fill the car with junk so it looks like a homeless den, then it probably won't get stolen either.
Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
When key broke, it took the dealer a week to update their Windows PC, get the proper software and program a new key, so I guess a thief could really do it in about 5 seconds...
Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
My mom's 2015 jeep cherokee latitude doesn't have key locks.
If you have the fob, you can just open the door.
and before you accuse me of living in a basement, make sure to note my account number.
Two extra things that suck about her jeep? 9 recalls to update the transmission software, and the third party radio won't let her get the latest maps for the gps - and it's the second radio.
Stay away from Jeep tech, it's crappy and buggy.
_ _ _ Go for the eyes Boo! GO FOR THE EYES!
So the new keyfob can't be paired until after the thief is inside the vehicle.
There're a lot of ways the manufacturer could've made this harder. But I've been arguing for two decades now that there should be a physical jumper or toggle switch on computers which you should have to flip in order to be able to change files in the system folder/partition. With it flipped to the default state, system files should be read-only (write logfiles somewhere else). That hasn't happened yet and systems are still getting rooted left and right, so I really don't think computer folks have much grounds for criticism.
There will be no way to avoid this by sticking with "real hardware" technology like mechanical locks and keys. In the same way that that all credit cards will be chipped along with all passports, you will ultimately be required to have your house/apartment hooked to the internet to get insurance. This will be justified due to fire sensors that automatically call the fire department. Part of the installation will also unlock all doors and windows to insure that anyone trapped inside will be able to escape.
It sounds reasonable up to a point, but it's obvious that the police and government are already drooling over the possibility that no one will be able to secure their physical space. It will be justified in terms of "terrorists" and "home invasion", but the real motivation is so they can infiltrate anybody at any time. The lack of constitutional protections for communications will be extended into real life.
When Orwell wrote 1984 he was being optimistic.
Black Ops by TMBG
Why is Snark Required?
Potato. Tailpipes are generally too large for bananas; it'd be like Danny Devito trying to give anal pleasure to Andre the Giant...
Oh, I thought you'll just program a key fob for another Jeep...
Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
"and before you accuse me of living in a basement, make sure to note my account number."
How cute, 6 digit UID and you think you are an "old timer here"
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
WTF did I just read?
You wouldn't understand. It's a Jeep thing.