p2pnet.net - Vehicle security chips cracked

Vehicle security chips cracked Bad news for car makers – and others using some kinds of RFID (radio frequency identification ) technologies, sometimes called Spy Chips.

A Johns Hopkins University hacker team has cracked Texas Instruments “immobilizer" systems used by millions of of Fords, Toyotas and Nissans.

The cars won’t start unless their systems recognize a RFID chip in authorized keys.

“More than 150 million of the Texas Instruments transponders are embedded in keys for newer vehicles built by at least three leading makers, and in more than 6 million key-chain gas tags, the researchers said,” according to a CNN Money story.

I Happen to own a Nissan and although I don't feel threatened yet ( my door lock won't even open with my own key.. ) I might consider what technology my next car lock and immobilizer will use..