"A Surprisingly Simple Way to Foil Car Thieves"

Growing vehicle technology sophistication can make cars more vulnerable to hacking and theft. A research team led by the University of Michigan has developed a solution that involves what is considered to be the lowest-technology feature of modern vehicles, the auxiliary power outlet. The team is ready to begin large-scale testing of Battery Sleuth, a vehicle security system that can protect against sophisticated wireless hacking and old-school jimmying. The wireless connection that key fobs rely on is sidestepped by Battery Sleuth, as is the standardized onboard communication network used in modern vehicles. Instead, it authenticates drivers by measuring voltage fluctuations in the electrical system of a vehicle. Drivers control it through a keypad device inserted into the auxiliary power outlet. When the driver enters a numerical code on the keypad, Battery Sleuth sends a predetermined series of voltage fluctuations, a sort of "voltage fingerprint," to the car's electrical system. Then, a receiver recognizes the fingerprint and allows the vehicle to start. This article continues to discuss the Battery Sleuth authenticator device. 

The University of Michigan reports "A Surprisingly Simple Way to Foil Car Thieves"