Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Researchers crack car alarm system  Researchers have found a way to crack the code used in millions of car keys.  The research team at Johns Hopkins University said it discovered that the "immobilizer" security system developed by Texas Instruments - a radio-frequency security system being used in more than 150 million new Fords, Toyotas and Nissans - could be cracked using a "relatively inexpensive electronic device."   Texas Instruments was recently given demonstrations of the team's code cracking capabilities, but the company maintains its system is secure. Tony Sabetti, a business manager with Texas Instruments, said the hardware used to crack the codes is cumbersome, expensive and not practical for common thieves. 5:53:10 PM    comment []