Boffin unlocks cars with text message A US security consultant says he can unlock thousands of cars just by sending a text message.
Don Bailey, a security expert at iSEC Partners, demonstrated how he could automatically unlock all manner of cars during a security conference in Las Vegas. He refused to reveal which makes and models of car he could get into. He did, however, warn that the same easy method could be used to hack into phones, cash machines and even water and power supplies. Speaking to CNN during the conference, he said: "I could care less if I could unlock a car door. It's cool. It's sexy. But the same system is used to control phone, power, traffic systems. I think that's the real threat." Bailey explained that the hack works because electrical items like remote car locks accept wireless signals that can be interfered with. It is possible to stop this by buying more expensive security systems, but this would push up costs enormously. He also said that it was an episode of the 'Oprah Winfrey Show' that inspired him to tap into the technology. Oprah featured a gadget called the Zoombak on her show, which allows parents to keep track of their children, which is what gave Bailey the idea. He said: "This was my thinking: 'That's dangerous. That can definitely be owned. Let's own that thing.'" -- With best wishes S Chander
