OBD Port security vulnerbility..

[Eddie-NL]

I have a VW and I have VCDS which uses the diagnostic port. To use VCDS I have to put this thing called a key in a hole and turn it first. Wonder why BMW didn't think of that?

There is a similar tool that will start the car for vag group vehicles to bypass the immobiliser, you don't need the ignition on for that.

And there are limited number of keyblades variations, a well equiped thief will have all of them

[Hedge]

Yes the OBD port is live even without the ignition on as you initially plug the Bluefin handset in with the ignition off.

[dodds-gttdi]

Best security measures to take, to help prevent this happening?

A friend relocated his obd port to another position in the car but left the original there with a permanent 12v on the pins to fry any device that is plugged into it

Hide your OBD port. Sometimes we get a car in for tuning where the OBD port has come loose and means you cant plug into it, can take ages removing trim to find it again.

This sounds like the best solution for those concerned. Only thing I can think of is you might get a few angry garages coming after you if you fry their diagnostic/servicing tools if you forget to tell them about the 12v live. 

[simonp]

Well I for one am happy that this tech exists. I'd rather some twocker comes to my house equipped with a laptop than kicks the door in and demands the keys at knifepoint...

[cooljimy84]

?? Shouldn't this be a sticky ??

i knew a few cars were open to it, but the list is growing !

[Matthewsimone]

Well I for one am happy that this tech exists. I'd rather some twocker comes to my house equipped with a laptop than kicks the door in and demands the keys at knifepoint...

Have to agree there mateits a lump of metal, i have insurance so if the scum bags want it let them take it
Much prefer that than someone trying to come into my home for keys with my daughter asleep in bed as that could end very messy for me or them 

[omeydz]

I saw this a while ago. My idea was to chop the obd port and wires off, pin into different type of connector and add the obd to the other end. So male and female connector combo allows you to connect the obd when you want to use it. And when you remove it the thief will be greeted with a different connector and be stumped in theory and not know pin assignments.

Good idea?

[doylebros]

Best tell James Bond about that idea!

http://rt.com/uk/212795-bond-spectre-cars-stolen/

[th3_f15t]

Well I for one am happy that this tech exists. I'd rather some twocker comes to my house equipped with a laptop than kicks the door in and demands the keys at knifepoint...

Plus only a small bit of window smashed compared to trim being ripped off, wires destroyed and locks damaged to achieve the same result. I plan to fit a tracker to my car so even if it does get stolen, least I can inform the police where it is and let them do the dirty work.

[StuF]

Well I for one am happy that this tech exists. I'd rather some twocker comes to my house equipped with a laptop than kicks the door in and demands the keys at knifepoint...

Plus only a small bit of window smashed compared to trim being ripped off, wires destroyed and locks damaged to achieve the same result. I plan to fit a tracker to my car so even if it does get stolen, least I can inform the police where it is and let them do the dirty work.

Unfortunately trackers can be defeated very simply and quickly too! If they want your motor it is going regardless, there is so much tech about these days to defeat security measures sometimes a hidden kill switch or similar is more effective. Just type 12v car tracker blocker into your favourite search engine!

[doylebros]

These Mult-T-Locks take a bit beating:-

http://www.mul-t-lockusa.com/res/English_Product_files/Vehicle%20protaction%20solutions/mvp%2022-11.pdf

[Trekmeister]

Back in the day I had a fiesta XR2 which some determined thieves tried to steal (pushed it away and had a big battery hooked up) but I had a kill switch and therefore they couldnt get it started and ended up leaving it. How hard would it be for an automotive electrician to fit one and would it even work or cause havoc with the ecu given cars have moved on significantly over the past 20 years?

[W6llace]

Gonna wire my gti to the mains that should do the trick