Hacking Immobilizers (Automotive)

[sbovisjb1]

I was browsing ebay for lock pick sets and I found a S-key programmer! :D A immobilizer works, by checking to see if the key cylinder is turning and a authorized chip is allowing it. If there is no chip, the car will be immobilized.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Locksmith-tool-S-Key-programmer-V6-52-T300-plus_W0QQitemZ280278436433QQihZ018QQcategoryZ43989 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[iHME]

Interesting.

btw didn't David Bechams (the football guy) car get hacked? They used a laptop to crack the security system. They stole his laptop and other gear.

[sbovisjb1]

I talked to friends who are locksmiths and they work in the automotive industry amongst other things, and they said a cars model can have a different immobilizer than other areas. They then told me criminals usually go to numerous dealers and get the blank keys from them. So if you have about 20 you should be able to bypass most cars. He also gave me this image explaining how immobilizers work.

http://bayimg.com/image/galidaabj.jpg

[iHME]

I didn't suspect that those new systems ware this hardcore.

But can't those be brute forced like car alarm systems?

[sbovisjb1]

If you have a blank chip of the same type (hence going to the dealerships) You can copy the key for the immobilizer.