Notices
2017 - 2022 Super Duty The 2017-2022 Ford F250, F350, F450, F550 & F600 Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Keyless Entry Security Breach

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 06:58 AM
  #1  
Rasalas's Avatar
Rasalas
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Club FTE Gold Member
Keyless Entry Security Breach

An interesting article today displays new tools used by vehicle thieves targeting keyless entry vehicles. There have been numerous articles in the past regarding the wi-fi hotspot capabilities of the new on board computers which tie one's phone to the vehicle and hackers ability to take control of many functions and now there is a device which will read the key fob and then emulate it for the thief to open, start and drive away with your vehicle and any possessions on board. There may come a time when the key fob will need to be secured in a Faraday cage or additional security measures need to be installed to be sure your vehicle will stay where you left it.

 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 07:26 AM
  #2  
Sleepyguy's Avatar
Sleepyguy
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 6
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Wireless security breaches have existed since the day wireless was invented. The tech to do so on the other hand is not something you just Google and get of ebay. Well you likely can but it won't work.

Either way there is and always will be a way to breach your vehicle. Cell phone cloning has existed for ages. Breaching wireless routers the same.

Just be careful and hopefully you won't get hit.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 07:34 AM
  #3  
wharrell's Avatar
wharrell
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Club FTE Silver Member

I would just rather have a key.

Not a fan of the push button start here

Next you have to enter a RSA Secure ID PIN with your FOB
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 07:43 AM
  #4  
Sleepyguy's Avatar
Sleepyguy
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 6
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Originally Posted by wharrell
I would just rather have a key.

Not a fan of the push button start here

Next you have to enter a RSA Secure ID PIN with your FOB
No, next they will regulate it and encrypt the signal better which will make people feel more safe and allow the hackers to unlock every vehicle with keyless entry. There is nothing known on earth that can not be hacked.

If you have a key they can also be bypassed. Key chip can be bypassed. Etc
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 07:54 AM
  #5  
Frantz's Avatar
Frantz
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,775
Likes: 7
From: Lewisberry, Penn
I love keys. But push button is superior. We had a discussion last week I think were it was brought up that criminals aren't quite our best and brightest, so the more technology required the better. Anyone who has ever worked on an old steering column knows how easy it is to get around steering wheel locks and ignition switches. I had a motorcycle stolen from me back when I was a kid still living at home. It was in a quiet cul de sac with the bike parked up against the house under an awning in the middle of the day. It sucks, but that's what insurance is for. The only way to rate security is how much more is the risk and cost than the reward. I doubt actual criminals walk around with the device in the air. It's a passive device but it does have to become active to work, and just like there are smart garage door openers and dumb ones you can do the same with cars. Heck, I'll be most of you here with garage door openers have dumb tech ones, and that's for your house!!! Additionally if 50% of the time it works, that means 50% of the time it doesn't, so there is a solution, it just needs applied to the other 50% of cars. The article is polite and doesn't name names. I think they'd be doing a greater public service listing what vehicles it worked on so the companies have some public heat to improve their security.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 08:42 AM
  #6  
Rasalas's Avatar
Rasalas
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Frantz
I love keys. But push button is superior. We had a discussion last week I think were it was brought up that criminals aren't quite our best and brightest, so the more technology required the better. Anyone who has ever worked on an old steering column knows how easy it is to get around steering wheel locks and ignition switches. I had a motorcycle stolen from me back when I was a kid still living at home. It was in a quiet cul de sac with the bike parked up against the house under an awning in the middle of the day. It sucks, but that's what insurance is for. The only way to rate security is how much more is the risk and cost than the reward. I doubt actual criminals walk around with the device in the air. It's a passive device but it does have to become active to work, and just like there are smart garage door openers and dumb ones you can do the same with cars. Heck, I'll be most of you here with garage door openers have dumb tech ones, and that's for your house!!! Additionally if 50% of the time it works, that means 50% of the time it doesn't, so there is a solution, it just needs applied to the other 50% of cars. The article is polite and doesn't name names. I think they'd be doing a greater public service listing what vehicles it worked on so the companies have some public heat to improve their security.
I agree that the average thief would not have the device or patience to track a vehicle and clone the key while the owner walks by. But those who traffic in high end vehicles will have it all. Major car theft is very lucrative although many in the rural communities such as truck owners will never realize the extents it has reached in metropolitan America. I would have push button start in an instant and not worry about it if it were offered on the lowly Lariat SC. But my key will work fine, old habits are hard to change.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 04:12 PM
  #7  
k7lvo's Avatar
k7lvo
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 959
Likes: 10
From: Medford, OR
Originally Posted by Frantz
I love keys. But push button is superior. We had a discussion last week I think were it was brought up that criminals aren't quite our best and brightest, so the more technology required the better. Anyone who has ever worked on an old steering column knows how easy it is to get around steering wheel locks and ignition switches. I had a motorcycle stolen from me back when I was a kid still living at home. It was in a quiet cul de sac with the bike parked up against the house under an awning in the middle of the day. It sucks, but that's what insurance is for. The only way to rate security is how much more is the risk and cost than the reward. I doubt actual criminals walk around with the device in the air. It's a passive device but it does have to become active to work, and just like there are smart garage door openers and dumb ones you can do the same with cars. Heck, I'll be most of you here with garage door openers have dumb tech ones, and that's for your house!!! Additionally if 50% of the time it works, that means 50% of the time it doesn't, so there is a solution, it just needs applied to the other 50% of cars. The article is polite and doesn't name names. I think they'd be doing a greater public service listing what vehicles it worked on so the companies have some public heat to improve their security.
I wish that they'd pass - and ENFORCE - laws that would convince most criminals that crime does not pay, and take those who won't be convinced out of circulation. Permanently. The world be a much nicer place.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 12:40 AM
  #8  
DingusKhan's Avatar
DingusKhan
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 397
Likes: 8
From: SW New Mexico
If man can make it, man can break it.

I live on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Just have to be careful when I go to the big city.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 10:01 AM
  #9  
msdt-99517's Avatar
msdt-99517
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
Mine got broken into the other night, was locked zero damage. Little ******* took my glock, little cash and my prescription. Hope to one day find the little fckr. My own fault for leaving stuff in there but it is what it is. But we got him on camera so maybe he will turn up.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 11:24 AM
  #10  
EpicCowlick's Avatar
EpicCowlick
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
How did he defeat the lock on the truck?
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 11:28 AM
  #11  
msdt-99517's Avatar
msdt-99517
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
In the footage you see a light come on in my truck. Then like 30 mins later he just gets in. Crazy.... my sunshade was up so didnt get a clear picture of his face.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 11:52 AM
  #12  
EpicCowlick's Avatar
EpicCowlick
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
Wow, so it was some type of electronic device that defeated the Ford security? I didn't think this is a real statistical possibility and you're the first person I've heard that was victimized by it. Better catch that little turd and find out how it was done. Sorry about the Glock. Note to self and everyone else... Leave nothing in the truck you care about.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 03:17 PM
  #13  
Sleepyguy's Avatar
Sleepyguy
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 6
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Likely through the trucks wireless update system. I am sure if you can get the truck to connect to a fake network you would be able to load your own vehicle update much like forescan. Since the tuck is brand new it's highly unlikely they have closed all of the holes.

The fact you can modify code with forscan without decrypting and encrypting the software with a special key likely means it will be easy to hack.

Old days use to log into a persons open network then log into admin of the router. Change the password on admin access and put priority on your traffic then download torrents and movies. I am guessing this would not be more different scenario.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 03:19 PM
  #14  
Rasalas's Avatar
Rasalas
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by msdt-99517
Mine got broken into the other night, was locked zero damage. Little ******* took my glock, little cash and my prescription. Hope to one day find the little fckr. My own fault for leaving stuff in there but it is what it is. But we got him on camera so maybe he will turn up.
Sorry to hear about that. It makes you feel very violated and vulnerable. At least you are not here in NY. All kinds of bad crap if a firearm is stolen, as if you were at fault. Hope they catch the perp so they can let him go to do it again. (sarcasm about the legal system, sorry)
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2016 | 04:02 PM
  #15  
Dalingrin's Avatar
Dalingrin
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Sleepyguy
Likely through the trucks wireless update system. I am sure if you can get the truck to connect to a fake network you would be able to load your own vehicle update much like forescan. Since the tuck is brand new it's highly unlikely they have closed all of the holes.

The fact you can modify code with forscan without decrypting and encrypting the software with a special key likely means it will be easy to hack.

Old days use to log into a persons open network then log into admin of the router. Change the password on admin access and put priority on your traffic then download torrents and movies. I am guessing this would not be more different scenario.
I think using word "likely" is a bit of stretch here. Forscan and the Sync wireless updates are completely different things. Sync wireless updates almost certainly use a private key to encrypt the payloads so you can't just upload a new firmware easily.

Yes, Forscan uses an unencrypted communication protocol but its also requires a wired interface. ODB2 is just a glorified serial port.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:03 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE