Image: shop.flipperzero.one / Flipper Zero device

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a crackdown on car theft, with a surprising target: the Flipper Zero, a $200 open-source hardware device used for capturing and analyzing simple radio communications. The move, aimed at banning devices used for stealing vehicles by copying wireless signals for remote keyless entry, has sparked criticism from hobbyists and security professionals.

Trudeau’s initiative targets tools like the Flipper Zero that criminals allegedly use to defeat anti-theft protections in modern cars. However, critics argue that the Flipper Zero lacks the sophistication required for such exploits. While the device can interact with various wireless signals, including RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, it lacks the capabilities needed to bypass advanced anti-theft measures introduced in recent years.

Experts point out that prevalent car theft techniques, such as signal amplification relay attacks and RollJam attacks, require high-power transceivers and sophisticated equipment beyond what the Flipper Zero offers. Additionally, newer methods like CAN-injection attacks and Bluetooth signal homing are not feasible with the device.

Despite the portrayal of Flipper Zero in misleading videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, experts emphasize that the device is primarily used for educational purposes and does not pose a significant threat to vehicle security. Governments in other jurisdictions, such as New Jersey, have recognized Flipper Zero as a legitimate tool for learning about and analyzing wireless signals.

Alex Kulagin, COO of Flipper Devices, expressed frustration with the Canadian government’s decision, emphasizing that Flipper Zero is underpowered for modern car exploits. He cautioned against taking action against more advanced tools like HackRF One and LimeSDR, which are more sophisticated but also more complex to use.

Critics argue that banning devices like Flipper Zero could hinder legitimate security research and pentesting efforts, ultimately weakening overall cybersecurity measures. They advocate for a more nuanced approach that addresses the root causes of car theft while preserving the ability of researchers to explore and improve security measures.

Source: Adapted from ArsTechnica