Research algorithmic code grabber

Abstract

Robbers use “code grabbers” to penetrate the car and “hack” the car alarm system. There are three types of such devices, namely code grabber for static codes, code grabber on the principles of code substitution (for one- and two-button keychains) and algorithmic (sometimes they are called “manufacturing”).

For earlier car alarm systems using the static code, it is enough to use the device that captures this code and remembers it.

For code grabbers based on the principles of code substitution, the characteristic algorithm of operation, which requires repeated pushing of keychain buttons by the owner, is based on partially simultaneous radio jamming and capture of the keychain signal.

Algorithmic code grabber is a device that recognizes the type (namely, the manufacturer, “brand”) of an alarm system by the digital signal of the keychain, and becomes a clone (total duplicate) of the owner’s keychain using the so called “Manufacturer’s code”. This principle is applied to the car alarm system, which uses the algorithm KeeLoq etc. for coding a signal from the keychain to the central alarm system block and radio exchange “keychain-central block” (dialogue systems). It is believed that manufacturing codes (“manufacturer’s codes”) for most types of alarm systems are received by methods of industrial spying in factories (mainly in China), that carry out programming of microcontrollers of car alarm systems, or due to reverse engineering design of microcontrollers chips. There are “black lists” of car alarm systems, which can be hacked by algorithmic code grabber. Such code grabber, depending on the functions and quantity of “threaded” car alarm systems, is sent for testing an alarm system in car service centers and insurance companies. Security systems most attackable by the code grabber are without a dialogue code with individual coding keys.

This article highlights the consistency of research of algorithmic code grabber on the basis of remote car alarm “Sheriff ZX-1095 PRO” and gives an opportunity of operative determination of signs of reprogramming of remote car alarm “Sheriff ZX-1095 PRO”. This article presents collective signs of scanners, grabbers, code grabbers and algorithmic code grabbers.

Algorithmic code grabber described in the articles does not differ from the remote car alarm by its appearance. The Author presents external signs, according to which it is possible to effectively distinguish the remote car alarm from the above-mentioned code grabber, which is produced on the bases of the remote car alarm system “Sheriff ZX-1095 PRO”. This will give an opportunity to effectively conduct an external review and distinguish the remote car alarm system from the above-mentioned algorithmic code grabber.

It should be noted for car owners, that nowadays absolute protection from code grabbers does not exist. Only complex measures will help a car owner to protect his/her car from unlawful attacks, but this is the topic of the following publications.