Steal this car

Nov. 8, 2007
A group of Israeli and Belgian researchers has successfully broken the cipher algorithm in KeeLoq, the anti-theft digital keys used by Chrysler, Daewoo, Fiat, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar, Toyota, and Volvo.

While acknowledging the success of a theoretical attack, Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler, Ariz., maintains that KeeLoq is still secure.

Researchers claim vehicles can be stolen based on cryptographic findings related to the key’s algorithm. Microchip counters that its system involves much more than the algorithm.

Each remote-control device has a unique key consisting of 18 billion billion values. Even with 100 desktop computers, it would take several decades to discover such a key. Thus Keeloq was thought to be secure.

But researchers at the University of Leuven (Belgium), the Hebrew University, and the Technion in Israel found a way to identify the key using algorithm details that were leaked last year. Their method probes a digital key by wirelessly sending 65,000 challenge/response queries, which takes about an hour. Then, using software they designed, the researchers can decipher the unique code.

Deciphering currently takes about a day using a dedicated computer. But once they’ve cracked one key, they know 36 of the 64 bits they need to know. Those 36 bits are identical for every car model a manufacturer makes (different models vary only slightly). After determining the part of the key common to cars of the same model, the unique bits can be uncovered by eavesdropping during remote locking and unlocking.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!