Scientists Barred From Releasing Codes to Start Bentleys
A group of computer scientists has been prevented from releasing a paper that could be used to start just about any vehicle from the Volkswagen Group, including Bentleys, Porsches and Audis.
Flavio D. Garcia, a lecturer in computer science at the university of Birmingham, and a pair of Dutch scientists wanted to publish their paper, entitled “Dismantling Megamos Crypto: Wirelessly Lockpicking a Vehicle Immobiliser.” Megamos Crypto is the name of the algorithm that works out the secret codes to start VW group’s vehicles, and a judge has ruled that releasing those codes could lead to a rash of vehicle thefts.
Volkswagen asked the group to released a revised version of the paper that did not feature the specific codes, but the scientists declined. The group claims that they are “responsible, legitimate academics doing responsible, legitimate academic work,” with the goal of providing more information to consumers about the security systems on their vehicles.
For now, an interim injunction has been imposed on the group, and will be followed by a full case from Volkswagen against the scientists that says this information can “allow someone, especially a sophisticated criminal gang with the right tools, to break the security and steal a car”.
[Source: The Guardian]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Good thing for the scientists too; because as soon as one of these cars were stolen after they released the info, whether that had anything to do with the theft or not, owners would be baying for blood. And I don't think the average scientist would be able to stay underground, then wangle himself off to South America, like a former computer hacker who did something similar. Julian Assange also claimed the public had a right to know, and see where that got him!