[Autox] On-Star makes car theft impossible?

[Fetch, Brandon]

That was an aftermarket add-on device that a lot of tote-the-note lots are
using.  In an effort to ensure their vehicles are repossessed in salable
condition they install a device that interfaces directly with the PCM of the
car.

Via a web interface, they can then locate the vehicle and apply whatever
controls are available to them through the PCM.

I believe it was an Austin, TX incident where a disgruntled former employee of
a lot used his still-valid credentials to access the website and begin to play
havoc with the lot's customer's cars.

Bad juju and a prime example of having an "employee termination" procedure.

-----Original Message-----
From: autox-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:autox-bounces at autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Mark J Bradakis
Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2010 8:02 PM
To: autox at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Autox] On-Star makes car theft impossible?

I can't recall where I heard or read the story, but OnStar may make it
easier for some folks to steal your car.  Apparently some guys hacked
into the system and from their computers were able to do things like
apply the brakes, shut off the motor and such to random vehicles.

So someone might be able to remotely unlock your doors, start your
engine, and drive away.  Well, except for perhaps a physical interlock
on the transmission that keeps it from being put in gear without a
key.

The wonders of modern technology.

Resistance is futile.
You will be assimilated.

Open the pod bay doors, HAL.

mjb.
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