[Nolug] I don't know how many cars use Linux software but this is kind of scary

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

While automakers and locksmiths are supposed to be the only groups that know
where and how security information is stored in a car, the information
eventually falls into the wrong hands.

According to the *Prague Post* leaving such information on a laptop is what
got Radko Souček caught for stealing several cars. "You could delete all the
data from your laptop, but that's not good for you because the more data you
have, the bigger your possibilities," he says. He says any car that relies
on software to provide security can be circumvented by other software.
"Every car has its weak spot," he says. Souček faces up to 12 years in
prison.

*The Leftlane Perspective:* Many modern cars now rely on software
*entirely*for security. Gone are the days where microchips
supplemented mechanical
locks as an additional security measure. In the case of true 'keyless'
systems, software is the only thing between a thief and your car. As
computers become more powerful, will stealing cars become even easier? Never
mind future cars with better security — what about today's cars a few years
down the road? With cars as inexpensive as the Toyota Camry offering
entirely keyless systems, these concerns a relevant to all consumers.

--
Christopher Johnston
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