StreetUnitMike
10-11-2006, 04:51 PM
Keyless entry and ignition are amazingly convenient features to have on your car, but they might just be amazingly convenient for thieves, too.
According to a story in the LeftLane News, technology has advanced to the point where a knowledgeable car thief can crack the encryption on a keyless car security system in about 20 minutes. That's quick enough to drive off with your BMW while you're grabbing a burger, because since the car doesn't require a key to start the ignition, once a thief has the door open, the car is pretty much his.
Although the culprit in the LeftLane story was caught, there's not much real-world advice for avoiding this problem. Computers will only get more powerful, and more cars will adopt keyless technologies. My advice, short of demanding a car with a physically keyed ignition, is this: Consider adding an aftermarket alarm or separate remote control system for handling the car's doors. This way, even if your car uses a keyless ignition, your door locks will be encrypted with a separate technology, doubling the effort required for a car thief. With luck, he'll give up after realizing there are easier targets out there to prey upon.
According to a story in the LeftLane News, technology has advanced to the point where a knowledgeable car thief can crack the encryption on a keyless car security system in about 20 minutes. That's quick enough to drive off with your BMW while you're grabbing a burger, because since the car doesn't require a key to start the ignition, once a thief has the door open, the car is pretty much his.
Although the culprit in the LeftLane story was caught, there's not much real-world advice for avoiding this problem. Computers will only get more powerful, and more cars will adopt keyless technologies. My advice, short of demanding a car with a physically keyed ignition, is this: Consider adding an aftermarket alarm or separate remote control system for handling the car's doors. This way, even if your car uses a keyless ignition, your door locks will be encrypted with a separate technology, doubling the effort required for a car thief. With luck, he'll give up after realizing there are easier targets out there to prey upon.