100 million cars vulnerable to simple hack, scientists say

Up to 100 million cars could be unlocked and potentially stolen by simply copying the radio frequency used in remote control locking systems, computer scientists say.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham, which focused their study on vehicles made by Volkswagen group, claim massive flaws exist in the current keyless entry devices used by car manufacturers.

They say it is not only easy to open the vehicles but also bypass engine immobilisers.

The alleged vulnerability could explain the mysterious number of thefts of cars using such technology.

Volkswagen, which is already reeling from last’s year’s diesel emission scandal, has said it knows about the problem.