German Scientists claim to have cracked the code of the electronic blipper that locks and unlocks cars and garage doors.
The team from Ruhr University says it is now relatively straightforward to clone the remote control devices that act as the electronic keys.
The scientists say they have overcome the KeeLoq security system, which is made by US-based Microchip Technology and is used by Honda, Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen and other manufacturers to transmit access codes using radio frequency identification technology.
The revelation caused consternation among the car makers. Volvo said it took security extremely seriously, but preferred not to comment further until its technical teams were able to look at the scientists' claims to establish whether they could be substantiated. At Volkswagen, a spokeswomen would make no comment. Honda also said it would pass the information to its engineering teams, echoing the view: "We obviously take security very seriously."
If the claims are correct, it could pose a major headache for the car companies, whose keyless entry systems are becoming increasingly more common in their high-end marques.
Read Article