Posted on 08/20/2010 1:23:35 PM PDT by epithermal
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – New wireless technologies in cars may compromise a driver’s privacy and pose a security threat, warn researchers at Rutgers University.
Modern automobiles are increasingly equipped with wireless sensors and devices, such as systems that monitor air pressure inside tires and trigger dashboard warnings if a tire’s pressure drops. The Rutgers researchers have shown that these wireless signals can be intercepted 120 feet away from the car using a simple receiver despite the shielding provided by the metal car body.
Since signals in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) include unique codes from each wheel sensor, this raises concerns that drivers’ locations could be tracked more easily than through other means, such as capturing images of license plates.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.rutgers.edu ...
Does anyone see a profit motive in hacking the tire pressure monitoring system? Maybe this is a concern. I’ll wait for other comments but my gut reaction is that this is a fun story but not something that is a real concern.
Ok, correct me if I need correcting.
I see you beat me to the tin foil hat reply.
No, I think you are seeing this very clearly as a non-issue.
It would be the environmental police like in the Super Bowl ad for Audi. Didn’t the guy who sometimes plays president tell us to keep plenty of air in our tires? Looks like the ATF will have to hire a bunch of new agents.
Agency of tire flation.
Sorry guys, it’s been a frikkin long week.
Barley pops ahoy.
LOL! There were so many images to choose from!
You mean that someone 120 feet away can tell how much air I have in my tire? The horror!!
We currently don’t have much of a problem with IEDS or roadside bombs here in the USA, so for right now this is not a serious concern. It is a great way to target an individual car with a bomb without wires or having someone nearby.
Plus, Ted Bundy used to pull women over claiming they had tire damage (he’d then remove the lug nuts and let the victim drive off until the wheel came off), but he’s dead now and would not be around to turn on “flat tire warnings” for all 4 tires as he drove by.
A city could use this technique to enforce a “downtown tax” or other money-raking scheme that requires the city’s electronics to track cars and where they go and for how long.
I agree this is not a problem now, but it is an exploitable technology that clever people can use for fun, profit, harm, or if it’s Anonymous, lolz.
It takes wardriving to all new heights.
OK, I'll try....if you can hack into the system and trigger the device some way to register low air or a puncture or something - people will be prone to pulling into an auto shop.....It could be a great PepBoys marketing tool.... if the received signal could be altered...thinking conspiracy out loud.....
That's why I opt for tubeless tires
>> Does anyone see a profit motive in hacking the tire pressure monitoring system?
I’m a capitalist. And if that fails, I’m a cynic.
I see a profit motive in virtually everything.
All you wheels are belong to us!
More govt jobs...followed by a new blockbuster TV Show...The Air Pressure Police.
Leftists will mandate air pressure monitoring stations along the roadside. As incorrect tire pressure wastes gas, dems will figure a way to fine—that is, TAX—anyone with the wrong tire pressure readings!!! Sound far fetched? Well whoda thunk you could be fined for smoking on your friggin front porch??!!
“You mean that someone 120 feet away can tell how much air I have in my tire? The horror!!”
It’s a long range RFID tag for your car. it does not reveal tire pressure, it says, there is that specific car! Ding the owner’s account for the Crowded City Zone Fee Area!
Or other stuff you can do with RFID. Like have a warning system if a police car is within range. A gang might like that. They’d need to record a bunch of cop car wheel transmitters, but they are organized enough for that.
Maybe. But more immediately this is a pain in the ass if you have to have a wheel or tire worked on.
I'd just as soon check my own, thank you automobile industry.
You are much more evil and cynical than I. Congratulations!
A fine idea!
I suspect that the danger is in that they have to have a unique signal, other wise the computer would not know which tire was talking to it; left, right or maybe the car next to you at the light.
If that is correct and there are so many unique signals that the chance of yours being confused with another is remote, once a spy had your signal identified, he could track you through various check points such as toll booths, certain streets, etc.
Food for thought anyway.
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