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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
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!
WTF did I just read?
You wouldn't understand. It's a Jeep thing.