Another reason to own old, simple cars

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/hackers-prove-they-can-break-into-subaru-outback-via-texting/

I don't think I'll ever sell my Miata. Now i just need an E30 or E36 M3, P71, and an XJ and I should be all set. Maybe an old 3/4 ton diesel truck to be safe.

In 1999 I fantasized that all computers would fail at midnight on Dec. 31 and only cars with points ignitions would work.

Hackers can ruin your llife any many other far more painful ways. It is no reason to commute in an '82 Tercel.

An 82 Tercel is likely more reliable than most newer cars.

Every day the world gets smaller. Disney would be proud!

"A dark day for lesbians everywhere"

Best comment ever.

Grizz wrote: "A dark day for lesbians everywhere" Best comment ever.

I laughed pretty hard when I read it.

This reminds me of the paranoia about thieves using code scanners to intercept garage opener codes. While it is possible I dont know of any instance where it was actually done. I have investigated thousands of auto thefts and the majority involve keys left in the car with an unlocked door. Looking at it from the thieves point of view, Why mess with scanners or hacking a vehicle's computer when you can go to the next car over and drive off with the keys? The rest either are towed, unlocked but dont have keys, or involve some sort of breaking or jimmying to enter with a defeated ignition.

Ojala wrote: I have investigated thousands of auto thefts and the majority involve keys left in the car with an unlocked door.

You are correct, thieves put the bulk of their effort into low hanging fruit. (i.e. Most criminals specialize in crimes that are easy to commit.) Despite this, high tech automobile thefts do happen (e.g. The guys who stole David Beckham's X5 by spoofing a wireless keychain fob) and lots of vehicles could be stolen through high tech methods. Car's are not the major issue in this story, though. What matters is that lots of GSM-networked devices are vulnerable

http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/hackers-break-into-subaru-outback-via-text-message/ your car isn't the only thing in danger of a war-texting takeover, however, as the team says there are a slew of devices and systems, accessible over telephone networks, that are vulnerable to similar attacks, including A-GPS tracking devices, 3G security cameras, SCADA sensors -- and thus the power grid and water supply -- home automation, and urban traffic control systems.

Keyless entry/ignition system are for bobcostases, anyway. How hard is it to take a key out of your pocket?

I never understood the need for keyless ignition. Are we really that lazy that we can twist a key?

Ojala wrote: This reminds me of the paranoia about thieves using code scanners to intercept garage opener codes.

Yeah, but it will make great nonsense for the local news guys to "warn" you about when Nov. sweeps rolls around!

Grizz wrote: An 82 Tercel is likely more reliable than most newer cars.

^ My first car

Outside of the front brake calipers having a propensity to lock up (happened a couple of times), the thing was as reliable as a brick.

Got my first piece in it, too--but that's an entirely different thread.

mad_machine wrote: I never understood the need for keyless ignition. Are we really that lazy that we can twist a key?

This wouldn't be an issue if everyone listened to Porsche and put the ignition on the correct side of the wheel. Cuz then you could do two things at once.

JoeyM wrote: Keyless entry/ignition system are for bobcostases, anyway. How hard is it to take a key out of your pocket?

While I agree they are unnecessary, technically it isn't hard, but harder than not having to do it in the first place...

personally id love a proximity remote.... ya taking a key out isnt that bad but when your a woman and some guy is following you that half a second to open the door is the diff between being fine and assualted

I can hack old cars.

It's called a "lock out kit"

Shawn

Trans_Maro wrote: I can hack old cars. It's called a "lock out kit" Shawn

a "rock" or "hammer" will also get you in, and a "screwdriver" will generally start the car when properly used in conjunction with the "hammer" i already mentioned..

As a kid, I always thought hotwiring cars was extremely difficult and impossible to learn. When I took off my first steering column cover, I was both delighted and upset at how easy it is.

KATYB wrote: personally id love a proximity remote.... ya taking a key out isnt that bad but when your a woman and some guy is following you that half a second to open the door is the diff between being fine and assualted

http://www.paxtonquigley.com/?page_id=118#

Hold your head up, be visibly alert, and look around constantly. Walk with energy, confidence and purpose. Hold your body in an erect, assertive posture. Carry your pepper spray at the ready in your strong hand. Turn your shoulder bag so the opening is turned towards you. Cross the strap of the shoulder bag over to your opposite shoulder. A fannypack is even better. No expensive-looking jewelry should be visible. Wear comfortable walking or running shoes – leave those heels at home. Carry few packages or none — have your purchases loaded into your car at the store’s or the mall’s loading dock — it’s a free service.

KATYB wrote: personally id love a proximity remote.... ya taking a key out isnt that bad but when your a woman and some guy is following you that half a second to open the door is the diff between being fine and assualted

I understand it's not for everyone, but you could always get a concealed carry permit and training.

I have one of these, have only had to draw it once for defense, and the laser intimidated the guy without me having to ever fire a shot.

EDIT: At any rate, I'd recommend a self-defense course, and one of the C2 Tasers linky here if you are looking for less-than-lethal alternatives or are opposed to firearms. Not trying to go all NRA on you.

I've gotten zapped with one of the police models a few times during reserve training, and let me tell you, if I hadn't been yelled at to fight back after being shocked, I would've been content to lay there on the mat for a bit. I don't like pepper spray for self-defense situations, as you typically get contaminated too, and some folks are just immune to it!

And so I don't totally derail the thread, I kinda figured we'd see a news story on this when automakers were announcing smart phone capabilities with their cars.

i knew this was going to happen soon. With how simple some of these keyless entry systems are I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner. But who in their right mind would want to steal a Subaru Outback?

JoeyM wrote: You are correct, thieves put the bulk of their effort into low hanging fruit. (i.e. Most criminals specialize in crimes that are easy to commit.) Despite this, high tech automobile thefts do happen (e.g. The guys who stole David Beckham's X5 by spoofing a wireless keychain fob) and lots of vehicles *could* be stolen through high tech methods. Car's are not the major issue in this story, though. What matters is that lots of GSM-networked devices are vulnerable

I really dont see that as a theft. I mean just look at what Beckham has done to some of the cars he drives. Those Samaritans were just saving that poor X5 from sure doom.

Ojala wrote:

JoeyM wrote: You are correct, thieves put the bulk of their effort into low hanging fruit. (i.e. Most criminals specialize in crimes that are easy to commit.) Despite this, high tech automobile thefts do happen (e.g. The guys who stole David Beckham's X5 by spoofing a wireless keychain fob) and lots of vehicles *could* be stolen through high tech methods. Car's are not the major issue in this story, though. What matters is that lots of GSM-networked devices are vulnerable

I really dont see that as a theft. I mean just look at what Beckham has done to some of the cars he drives. Those Samaritans were just saving that poor X5 from sure doom.

The Macedonians will keep it safe

Racer1ab wrote:

KATYB wrote: personally id love a proximity remote.... ya taking a key out isnt that bad but when your a woman and some guy is following you that half a second to open the door is the diff between being fine and assualted

I understand it's not for everyone, but you could always get a concealed carry permit and training. I have one of these, have only had to draw it once for defense, and the laser intimidated the guy without me having to ever fire a shot. EDIT: At any rate, I'd recommend a self-defense course, and one of the C2 Tasers linky here if you are looking for less-than-lethal alternatives or are opposed to firearms. Not trying to go all NRA on you. I've gotten zapped with one of the police models a few times during reserve training, and let me tell you, if I hadn't been yelled at to fight back after being shocked, I would've been content to lay there on the mat for a bit. I don't like pepper spray for self-defense situations, as you typically get contaminated too, and some folks are just immune to it!

im ok with self defense ( have actually even tought courses on it. i am against firearms and actually all weapons to be honest. tho. ill continue to walk rediculously fast to my car when its dark out normally having a friend accompany me to my car and then driving them to thiers. just seems there is stregth in numbers.