08driverguy

I've read a lot of threads just in this forum alone on this subject, and all the information was way off. I thought I'd share. I have many years experience in the automotive anti-theft field both as a researcher and a engineer.

I'll keep this abstract and simple

Current anti-theft systems that come on cars from the manufacturer at the very most consist of satellite tracking, RFID transponder key, laser cut key blade, and audible alarm with a sensor network. This is what's on the most expensive cars right now.

The majority of cars though come standard with RFID keys now, and an optional audible alarm with small sensor network. RFID keys are actually mandatory now for all manufacturers. This became effective in 2001(interesting note:2000 Acura Integra has literally no anti-theft, but it was standard on 96+ preludes and optional starting in 94 on a lot of hondas and acuras, this applies to domestics too).

RFID keys are now the core security on all cars. Almost no motorcycles or ATVs have them though. Motorcycles and ATVs can still be stolen from broken ignition lock.

Despite popular rumor, immobilizers have been around since the 70s. They started off as anti-hotwire circuits, then when't on to chip keys. The first chip keys were actually resistors mounted in the key blade that completed a circuit inside the lock. They then went on to RFID which till this day have not been circumvented outside research studies at universities.

These early resistor based chip keys were what's known as PASS-KEY/PASS-KEY II/VATS by GM. Who also might I add hold the patent on the sidebar design used in all non-laser-cut key automotive locks right now in the form of double-sided wafer locks with sidebar.

All RFID based keys and fobs use the same challenge/response system based on passive/inductive powering from the on board computers. The dictating logic, also despite popular rumor, isn't circumvented by 'hotwiring' as it's bits inside a primary chip which initiates other parts of the vital electrical system.

Any case of theft of a car with RFID keys or fobs I can guarantee wasn't a result of them 'hotwiring' pass it or using a vulnerability in the crypto the system uses. It's always been through stolen or cloned keys, the crypto is also calculated in real time, so conventional RFID cloning isn't applicable. This passive RFID also isn't susceptible to the vulnerabilities you've seen with subway passes and inventory management.

Almost every after-market security vendor will tell you things with no actual substance(A.K.A. lies) to sale you products that are most likely reformed/regurgitated. There are a few after-market companies that are using transponders like Powerlock, but the rest go by bad assumptions like wire coloring for stealth..which is pathetic.

It is what it is..The factory system on the RX8 is good, I got an alarm on mine to also prevent hood popping and break-ins. RFID keys have never actually failed. One research group cracked some of the crypto with an array of FPGAs once though. They were mathematicians and engineers though. That research and program code never went public.

JinDesu

iTrader: (2)

Good information. I was always curious if hot-wiring could start the car and bypass the immobilizer, but I never looked into it. It is good to see that you cannot do that.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

great info, thanks.