BMW Cars Vulnerable To Blank Key Attack 291
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."
Dupe (Score:5, Informative)
Its a key recovery problem... (Score:4, Informative)
(Since its a duplicate post, I'm going to include my reply from the last time it was posted)
The basic design flaw is how key duplication/recovery is handled.
On my motorcycle (a Concours 14 with keyless ignition), to program a new key you need an existing key, to tell the computer "hey, this is the new key to use". The disadvantage is, naturally, if you lose all your keys, you need to replace the computer!
But its better than the alternative. On the BMW, all you need to do is plug into the OOBDII port and tell the computer "Here is the new key". This means if you lose all your keys, you don't have to buy a new computer... But it also means that anyone who can break into the car can create a key and drive off.
No, it's worse (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Buy vintage BMWs! (Score:4, Informative)
Hell, the old R series motorcycles from the late 60s/early 70s had ONE key for every model! Want someone else's R60? Just use your key and start 'er up.
Re:In other news: (Score:5, 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 (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 (Score:5, Informative)