Better theiving through Technology

["Dude VanWinkle" <dudevanwinkle () gmail com>]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/05/03/gone-in-20-minutes-using-laptops-to-steal-cars/

Gone in 20 Minutes: using laptops to steal cars

High-tech thieves are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to
stealing automobiles equipped with keyless entry and ignition systems.
While many computer-based security systems on automobiles require some
type of key — mechanical or otherwise — to start the engine, so-called
'keyless' setups require only the presence of a key fob to start the
engine.

The expert gang suspected of stealing two of David Beckham's BMW X5
SUVs in the last six months did so by using software programs on a
laptop to wirelessly break into the car's computer, open the doors,
and start the engine.

"It's difficult to steal cars with complex security, but not
impossible. There are weaknesses in any system," Tim Hart of the Auto
Locksmith Association told the U.K.'s Auto Express magazine. "At key
steps the car's software can halt progress for up to 20 minutes as
part of its in-built protection," said Hart.

Because the decryption process can take a while — up to 20 minutes,
according to Hart — the thieves usually wait to find the car in a
secluded area where it will be left for a long period. That is
believed to be what happened to Mr. Beckham — the crooks followed him
to the mall where he was to have lunch, and went to work on his X5
after it was parked.

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:-)

-JP

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