Theft of BMW cars has seen a huge increase in the last few months, this is due to criminals finding a loop hole in the keyless entry/starting system. They are also somehow able to bypass the advanced alarm system with an as yet unknown hack, this means any new BMW that uses this keyless entry system is vulnerable to theft with very little effort from the criminals, if you know anyone with one of these cars please make them aware how at risk there car is.
the system works like this.
The car is broken into and the alarm is bypassed.
the criminal then gains assess to the OBDII port which then used there and then to obtain the unique digital key ID
They then uses this ID to program a new key for the car
They then drive away in the car with a fully intact and undamaged car with working key and all in under 3 minutes.
there have been numerous research studies over the years highlighting the vulnerability of ODBII systems and the complete lack of security measures, one study was able to take full control of the cars ABS system by used of an OBDII remote controlled dongle which could be used to completely deactivate the brakes stop the engine adjust the interior heating controls and even post messages to the dash display, I can't help but think this will be the tip of the iceberg and it won't be long before other car manufactures (including fiat) fall foul to this method of car theft, technology is cheap and criminals are getting smarter.
the system works like this.
The car is broken into and the alarm is bypassed.
the criminal then gains assess to the OBDII port which then used there and then to obtain the unique digital key ID
They then uses this ID to program a new key for the car
They then drive away in the car with a fully intact and undamaged car with working key and all in under 3 minutes.
there have been numerous research studies over the years highlighting the vulnerability of ODBII systems and the complete lack of security measures, one study was able to take full control of the cars ABS system by used of an OBDII remote controlled dongle which could be used to completely deactivate the brakes stop the engine adjust the interior heating controls and even post messages to the dash display, I can't help but think this will be the tip of the iceberg and it won't be long before other car manufactures (including fiat) fall foul to this method of car theft, technology is cheap and criminals are getting smarter.
