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Volkswagen Group Keyless Entry Systems Revealed As Easy Hacking Target

European researchers have uncovered a vulnerability in the keyless entry systems of Volkswagen Group vehicles built over the past 20 years, making them susceptible to theft. A research paper published by electronic security experts at the University of


European researchers have uncovered a vulnerability in the keyless entry systems of Volkswagen Group vehicles built over the past 20 years, making them susceptible to theft.

A research paper published by electronic security experts at the University of Birmingham outlines the ease which with researchers were able to ‘eavesdrop’ on the electronic unlock signal from Volkswagen Group keyfobs, and replicate the signal to gain access to vehicles.

The vulnerability affects vehicles from as far back as 1995 and up to as recently as 2016 models, including vehicles from Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat and Audi.

Volkswagen was quick to hose down speculation that its latest generation of vehicles aren’t affected by the theft risk releasing a statement explaining that "this current vehicle generation [including the MQB platform] is not afflicted by the problems described".

Theft

Kez Casey

Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.

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