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SKS not as secure as we would like to think.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Sufferin' Prius Envy, May 4, 2006.

  1. Sufferin' Prius Envy

    Sufferin' Prius Envy Platinum Member

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    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.
    http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/05/03/gon...-to-steal-cars/

    Today it is "expert gangs" - tomorrow it is "common criminals." :angry:
     
    #1 Sufferin' Prius Envy, May 4, 2006
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    It all depends on the type of code and how well it is implemented. A code with a short bit length may be broken by a brute force attack with a fast computer. Longer codes can make it a job for the NSA. Sometimes a poor implementation will leave a good code system open for attack, much like leaving your house key under the door mat invalidates even the best door lock.

    The only way to determine if the Prius SKS has a security flaw is to see it actually exploited. You can't really generalize from other smart key systems without knowing all of the internal details, which they are not going to share with the public.

    It's still easier to load your Prius on a flatbed truck than to beat the SKS system.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, May 4, 2006
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ May 4 2006, 07:09 AM) [snapback]249604[/snapback]</div>
    I think that's the key (no pun intended) point I was trying to make. ANY car is vulnerable, SKS is less vulnerable than the average keyless entry system. But the bottom line is that if anyone wants your car and is determined to get it they'll get it...might mean breaking a window or something, but they'll get it.

    I think the complexity of grabbing the SKS code, then being able to use that code to then open the car and then start the car to make a "clean get-away" make this a crime that will be very rare...esp. for a mid-$20k car. And, remember, once they get the car they have to be able to restart it unless they just take it straight to a chop-shop.
     
    #3 efusco, May 4, 2006
  4. finman

    finman Senior Member

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    What was the Nicholas Cage movie...Gone in 60 seconds? They had the keys, though, which makes it cheating...wait...they're stealing, so they're cheating at an illegal act anyway! There is no justice!

    Or how about the movie T2 and the young Jon Conner stealing ATM money by using a handheld device to crack codes, generate PINs.

    Smart criminals. Is that an oxymoron? Can't program a VCR but, hey, stealing tech cars is no prob.
     
    #4 finman, May 4, 2006
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