[Jetrep]

I might be over thinking this as it seems like a simple solution for a relatively inexpensive cost to prevent our cars from getting stolen

outside of a flatbed / tow truck the path to get the car is the OBD2 port.

Why not simply remove the port and replace it with another design (ex: cannon plug) then make an adapter that could be temporarily installed when the OBD2 port is needed?

I do know there are other ways into the computer through a light wiring harness as an example but the OBD2 port is by far the most common path today

the hacking tools need the OBD2 config and if its not there then the bad guy cant hack it.

it would look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/SZJELEN-5Pin-...=sr_1_7?sr=8-7

Female Cannon plug replaces the OBD2 port in the car

A portable adapter cable with the male cannon plug installs into the female cannon plug and on the other end is the OBD2 port for service needs

outside of a wiring diagram and a day to put this in the idea seems like it would work

oh...and put an "OBD2 Port Removed" sticker on the window and hopefully prevent your window from getting smashed out

ZLE -Fam - what am I missing?

[radz28]

I'm not arguing the idea, because options are great (and I think this is a great one, too), but someone else said something else about "vampire" taps, which could bypass this, or OBD2 locks, too. It take a little more time, and that might be enough to deter them, but I imagine, after stealing enough of these cars, they can get pretty quick at it, unfortunately.

It seems to me, as many already have pointed out - multiple layers are a great idea. Personally - I have 2-hardware layers, and I'll be adding 2-more wiring layers, and probably an OBD2 lock (or something similar to this), too. The way it's working to me is: they see the steering wheel & brake pedal lock (knowing they'll have to spend time cutting and making noise); then see the OBD2 lock, and know they'll be spending time, in the least - cutting/tapping into the harness; then - when they can't communicate, STILL, to the ECM (which will take pulling the car apart), hopefully they'll give up, or I'll be there by that time, and do what I do.

It seems to me any and all deterrents are a great idea, and the more - the merrier. The more you can show they're going to have to work for it (e.g. steering wheel/brake pedal locks), perhaps that will be enough they move on.

JMHO.

[Standard]

In a more general sense, this can be filed under the idea of "security through obscurity", a model for understanding aspects of a security solution that are weak to the point of uselessness. I contrast this with (in the information space) encryption which no matter the knowledge or tools, represent presently mathematically intractable problems.

The "OBD Port program a new key" already has an extreme level of obscurity, around which a $400 tool on amazon exists, as it's a common use case. You could never design this tool from the ground up yourself; but ultimately the knowledge in its software is out there, so it's over.

Even aside from the 'vampire plug' mentioned above, the 'other'->OBD adaptor would just add a 50 cent obscurity barrier.

BTW while not an OBD thing, go find the video on defeating the Ravelco. The guy does some pin-by-pin to find the right ones to fool what your per-user key is doing. OBD remapping would be simpler than this.

[IndyZrider]

Originally Posted by Standard

In a more general sense, this can be filed under the idea of "security through obscurity", a model for understanding aspects of a security solution that are weak to the point of uselessness. I contrast this with (in the information space) encryption which no matter the knowledge or tools, represent presently mathematically intractable problems.

The "OBD Port program a new key" already has an extreme level of obscurity, around which a $400 tool on amazon exists, as it's a common use case. You could never design this tool from the ground up yourself; but ultimately the knowledge in its software is out there, so it's over.

Even aside from the 'vampire plug' mentioned above, the 'other'->OBD adaptor would just add a 50 cent obscurity barrier.

BTW while not an OBD thing, go find the video on defeating the Ravelco. The guy does some pin-by-pin to find the right ones to fool what your per-user key is doing. OBD remapping would be simpler than this.

that DA showing how to defeat ravelco is just trying to push his igla system...he starts with "i already have the key to the car"....he need power to the car to use his defeat device....so his BS is moot....also you guys should be deactivating your proximity unlock so the signal booster a$$h0!es cant unlock your car with your own fob thats inside your house...jmo....ravelco is a great system....use them in all my vehicles....

[Standard]

Originally Posted by IndyZrider

that DA showing how to defeat ravelco is just trying to push his igla system...he starts with "i already have the key to the car"....he need power to the car to use his defeat device....so his BS is moot....also you guys should be deactivating your proximity unlock so the signal booster a$$h0!es cant unlock your car with your own fob thats inside your house...jmo....ravelco is a great system....use them in all my vehicles....

My bringing Ravelco in as an example was a bad idea. It's better than nothing in that 'nothing' is defeated by a tool that exists. . . Ravelco, there is presently not a tool that imitates what the guy was doing in the video.

FWIW, the signal boost/fob doesn't seem to be what the thieves in videos are depending on to boost hellcats (I mention those as in some cities seems there's a 101% theft rate), they swoop in with *certainty* with the key-cloning tool.

[Patriot Motorsports USA]

I can buy the Key-Cloning tool right now... and there is nothing short of a sticker on my car telling a would-be thief that I am from Texas and will NOT be calling 911!

A hard wired, non-cellular GPS tracking device that cannot be scrambled is what these cars need and installed in a very remote location.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PPBL1GS...pa_dk_detail_5

[The Maverick]

Originally Posted by Jetrep

A portable adapter cable with the male cannon plug installs into the female cannon plug and on the other end is the OBD2 port for service needs

outside of a wiring diagram and a day to put this in the idea seems like it would work

oh...and put an "OBD2 Port Removed" sticker on the window and hopefully prevent your window from getting smashed out

This general concept has come up before. To further confuse things for a would-be thief, you could install a dummy OBD port (using one of the many OBD port cables sold on Amazon) and then tuck your custom connector up inside the dash so it isn't even visible or easily accessible to a thief. Plus, you can add a lock on the dummy OBD port to give it a look of credibility.

Lots of options!

[roostere4]

It all comes down to the level of threat you are expecting you need to have and defend against, and for how long you need to prevent a theft. Think of it like ratings on a safe. Give enough expertise, time and certain tools any safe can be broken into. That's why most safes only have ratings in the minutes and not hours.

Any theft prevention measure that is put into a car can be defeated and the car stolen given time. That includes both Ravelco and IGLA, however I would still take IGLA any day of the week over a Ravelco.

however in the end it's still for everyone to decide what threat levels they need to protect against. So the goal generally is to make that longer than what your average thief is willing to invest in trying to steal your car.

[clg82]

Can't you just park it in a locked garage and call it a day? Where you guys living where people on the street are stealing your car?