Security expert claims he can unlock thousands of cars simply by sending a text message

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• Don Bailey says the same technology can also control cash machines and even water and electricity supplies
  

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 5:07 PM on 4th August 2011

An American security consultant claims he can unlock thousands of cars simply by sending a text message.

Don Bailey, a senior consultant with iSEC Partners, gave a demonstration of his hacking ability at the Black Hat security and hacking conference in Las Vegas.

For security reasons, Bailey refused to reveal the makes and models of cars which are susceptible to his hack.

At risk: Bailey said cars with remote electronic locks are susceptible to his hack - but refused to reveal the types of car it affects

But he warned that the same hacking trick can be used to attack phones, cash machines and even industrial systems such as water and power supplies. 

'I could care less if I could unlock a car door,' Bailey told CNN during the conference at Caesar's Palace.

 

'It's cool. It's sexy. But the same system is used to control phone, power, traffic systems. I think that's the real threat.'

The hack works because some electronic components - such as remote car locks - accepts wireless signals that are vulnerable to interference.

Inspiration: Oprah Winfrey gave Bailey the initial idea for his car hack

Bailey also explained that companies are able to protect their systems by purchasing more expensive parts, and while he admitted that it would push costs up significantly, he says it is important to ensure a safe balance.

'We have to find elegant ways to find that sweet spot between cost and security,' he said.

Bizarrely it was an episode of the Oprah Winfrey show that led him to the technology.

The TV host was demonstrating an invention called the Zoombak, which could be used by parents to track their children.

'This was my thinking: "That's dangerous. That can definitely be owned. Let's own that thing",' he said.

To 'own' something in hacker slang is to take control of it.

Once he understood to to control the Zoombak, he was able to adapt the method to cars.

 

Explore more:

People:

Oprah Winfrey

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Las Vegas

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05 Aug, 2011

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Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2022296/Security-expert-claims-unlock-thousands-cars-simply-sending-text-message.html?ITO=1490
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