idea for a security system

[mborg]

Encrypt the ROM of the ECU with an encryption key contained on a smart card. The smart card would need to decrypt the ROM image before the ECU would be usable. So without the correct key, there is no way the ECU can start or run the car.

Threats:
To steal a car equipped with such a system, a thief would need to
A) physically swap out the ECU
B) tow the car
C) carjack
D) bribe someone at the car manufacturer

'A' could be made arbitrarily difficult by encasing the ECU in a lockbox.

B & C are pretty much always going to be possible.

'D' can be eliminated if the key is not kept by the manufacturer. A lost key would then require an ECU replacement is needed.

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[Necromancer]

That would be cool, but what happens if the thief brings an ECU with him?

[elemental]

it'd have to be a very well planned/determined thief for him to have an ECU ready, he'd also have to know where you are, i suppose if he knew where you lived though, it'd take a little less planning, however, thats a big initial investment (ECU) for something that he probably won't know about in the first place, so he'd have to have broken in or heard from someone (unless it was stock on the car or something) theres always possibilities but this would prevent much of the crime, if a theif is that determined that he'd have an ecu to swap in, im sure he'd get the car with or without the technology

also, personally, the less flaunting of the car that went on, the less likely a theif is to pay any attention anyways =) keep it low pro

[This message has been edited by elemental (edited May 24, 2001).]

[hifiguy]

Nothing stops a tow truck!

[ForesterPerformance]

And, like you said, it still does nothing to prevent the ol' .44 to the head at a red light...