Cars susceptible to hacks due to immobiliser vulnerability

Thousands of cars, including high-priced models, have been susceptible to car hacking due to a vulnerability in their immobiliser which was discovered in 2012 — but not publicised due to court action taken by Volkswagen.

The vulnerability relates to a transponder called Megamos Crypto, which, according to researchers, has been or is being used in a range of vehicles including a number of Volkswagens, Fiats, Alfa Romeos, and Hondas as well as luxury cars including Ferraris, Bentleys, Maseratis and Porsches.