yikes. video is shocking.



https://www.autoevolution.com/news/w...y-217397.html#

 

Darn, In broad daylight, in public, with witnesses. I agree with bit that it is shocking.....assuming that the video itself was not staged, which some videos like this sometimes are.

And, if true, it will also answer some of those persons here in Car Chat (I won't use any names) who like to constantly pan Hyundai and Kia products for THEIR easy-access to car thieves.

 

I wonder if this is fixed in the 5th generation RX.

But yes, auto insurance rates are skyrocketing. This is one reason. All these electronics in cars, in key fobs, car apps - that was supposed to make them harder to steal, has no actually made them easier to steal. I may have to get a steering wheel lock now.

 

This is so much different than the Hyundai and Kia situation though. They are using a sophisticated device that is probably not easily accessible and seems it could probably work on most cars. With Hyundai and Kia situation any Joe have access to steal your car in a minute or two.

I've never been one to pan Hyundai and Kia products either, I actually like a lot of their products. But trying to make both situations seem the same is disingenuous.

 

That's because it only takes one person to figure it out and post it online and then all the "script kiddies" can download it on a $50 microcontroller board running a CAN shield, and I'm guessing that's how they are doing it or something similar.

It's a disgrace to the Computer Science industry for people to do this and whoever wrote the software was not a beginner.

I hate to see this, disgusting and a shame they didn't use their talent for good.

 

I agree that the two scenarios are not exactly the same, but the point is that you never know if the car thief (or potential car-thief) is going to be a sophisticated professional or a first-time rookie without much knowledge. The vehicle is either stolen or it's not.

 

The primary difference between this and the Hyundai situaton is that this didn't blow up on Tik Tok (not yet at least) to encourage kids to commit crime for social clout. Anyone who actually wanted to accomplish this on a modern vehicle could easily do so, as Margate already pointed out.

 

Wow maybe we should buy one of those steering wheel locks to be sure. I just looked them up. I'm surprised they are still available.
What about viruses and hackers?

 

Without other safeguards in place, I can see this happening to other car brands too, just a matter of time.

 

If it's a model that has an exploit that is being used, maybe an aftermarket immobilizer, I don't know.

Hackers, yes, anything that is "online" can in theory be hacked as ya'll know.

Viruses, I'm not an expert on that so hopefully others can chime in but if running a well known operating system kernel, oh yeah I can see it. lol

 

It's not expensive or difficult to get, it's actually easier than most people think and it's entirely due to the push to start only systems and CAN integration of all computers.

This is made vastly worse by internet connection integration for always on remote app based control. If you have the app code you can convince the car you have access rights. That's one of many reasons I disable my cars antennas and gps etc....

Still if someone wants your car they will take it, it's impossible to dodge them forever and unless you leave someone in the car when you go out they can/will just tow it away.

 

Those are old news from last year which have been posted before.

1 in 16 Lexus RX gets stolen in Canada and is shipped to Africa mostly.

Most are inside jobs. Essentially the VIN is known before hand and with access to dealer software the master key code for the specific car is revealed. All they are doing is pairing a new “virtual” key.

Same process when you lose all your car keys and take it to the dealer.

Toyota/Lexus dropped the ball in protecting that internal process.

Is not the technology that failed. Is the Process.

Here’s one. Those guys took a photo of the VIN prior: https://streamable.com/bjhl4o?src=player-page-share

 

So true.
The physical key on the older models adds an extra layer of protection vs a software controlled push start button.

No physical metal key?
Now they're screwed and steering wheel is locked. haha

Yeah, they can break the ignition lock but that's extra work and more time aka more risk.
These thieves are the lowest of lifeforms. IMO

I'm installing a Palm Scanner on my car wired to a fuel cut off. lolol

 

it is happening... a lot of them increased their security in past 2 years. We had large strings of robberies in BMW models with simple keyfob cloning from fairly far away. They fixed it in newer models.

The fact that BMW also has this problem does not help Lexus drivers in Canada though.

 

​​​​​​Cars with ignition and keys are easier to steal. Long story short, my brother's 2003 Corolla was sitting at a mechanic shop where the owner disappeared. He brought in a locksmith who rekeyed the ignition in less than two minutes. Yes he was licensed, but his tools and skills are easily obtainable.

As cars continue to adapt keyless technology, there is always going to be people that exploit them. All you need is the proper tools and some know how. The good news is if someone steals any of our cars, I can track all of them in realtime (except my Sienna)