Intruders Gain Access to 199 Various Devices at a Cost of $199 Each
In the world of technology, a compact device named the Flipper Zero has been causing ripples of concern within the automotive industry. This device, marketed towards locksmiths and workshops interested in illegal modifications, has found a darker purpose in the hands of criminals.
The Flipper Zero, priced at $199, boasts functions including WiFi attacks and NFC tag emulation. However, its use by criminals poses a significant threat to the automotive industry, with manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, Kia, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Fiat, Suzuki, Peugeot, Citroën, and Škoda, among others, being vulnerable to Flipper Zero attacks. Honda, while currently less affected, may become vulnerable in the future.
Most affected vehicle models were produced between 2010 and 2022. The attacks involve intercepting and cloning rolling-code signals used for keyless entry, allowing unauthorized door unlocking but not engine starting. This means that while criminals can gain access to vehicles, they cannot start them without the original key.
The Flipper Zero has been used by criminals to develop software that turns the device into a key replacement for vehicles. One such software is called "Unleashed," which allows vehicle doors to be unlocked without the original key. Daniel, a hacker based in Russia, is believed to have co-developed the Unleashed software and sells it for a price ranging from $600 to $1,000.
The digital copy created by the Flipper Zero can open vehicles but may not start them. This has led to a growing number of incidents where vehicles have been stolen with the keys left inside.
As the threat of the Flipper Zero grows, consumers can provide additional protection to their vehicles. This includes installing the latest software version, understanding how electronic access systems function, and activating security options such as PINs and additional authentication methods.
Manufacturers must also respond faster to security vulnerabilities and ensure their vehicles are protected against the latest hacking techniques. They are working to make electronic access systems more robust and develop new technologies that are harder to crack.
Recent reports by 404 Media, an investigative tech journalism website, have shed light on the misuse of the Flipper Zero by criminals. As the industry grapples with this new threat, it is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers to stay vigilant and proactive in ensuring the security of their vehicles.
New cars up to 2025 are vulnerable to security breaches due to weak or nonexistent security architectures in their electronic access systems. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is essential that security measures keep pace to protect vehicles and their owners from the growing threat of cybercrime.
