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How does that software update work for the cars that have no immobilizer hardware?
by anonymousab 3y ago
How does that software update work for the cars that have no immobilizer hardware?
- Terr_ 3y agoIANACarMechanic, but I think the difference is that a "real" immobilizer would work regardless of whether the car doors are locked and regardless of whether the alarm-system is on, it is always looking for a "proper key", and will trigger the alarm if it detects anything else is being used on the steering-column. In contrast, this new firmware workaround is exclusively based on a "digital fob layer" of security: It takes effect when the user locks/alarms the car with the fob, and only goes away when the fob's unlock button is used. The car still cannot distinguish a correct key from a fake-key/screwdriver/usb-plug. Two scenarios might help illustrate the difference: 1. You park the car, open the door to step outside, lock the doors by using the in-door button (no fob usage!) and close the door before leaving. That car is still just as vulnerable as before, an attacker could smash through the window and use screwdriver/pliers to drive off because there's no immobilizer to recognize a key is fake. 2. You sit inside the car, lock+arm it with the fob, wait 90 seconds, and then insert and turn the legitimate key. The car will refuse to start and the alarm will go off, because the fob-status is still armed and there's no immobilizer to recognize your key is real. [0] https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/3768 https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/3768