The Canadian government has unveiled intentions to ban devices like the Flipper Zero, which are perceived as aiding car thieves in their activities. Flipper Zero, a portable pen-testing tool, has gained notoriety for its demonstrated ability to conduct replay attacks and clone digital keys, potentially facilitating car thefts. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the ban following concerns raised during a national summit on auto theft, emphasizing the need to address sophisticated tools employed by criminals.
According to Champagne, the ban on consumer hacking devices aligns with efforts to combat the rising incidence of car thefts, which result in substantial financial losses and public safety concerns. Statistics shared by the Canadian government indicate a significant surge in vehicle thefts, with around 90,000 vehicles reported stolen annually, translating to one car stolen every six minutes. The ban targets devices capable of copying wireless signals for remote keyless entry, aiming to remove such tools from the Canadian marketplace in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
The decision to ban Flipper Zero and similar devices underscores the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of auto theft on Canadian communities and industries. As motor vehicle theft continues to contribute significantly to the national Crime Severity Index, regulatory measures are seen as essential in curbing the activities of car thieves who exploit technological vulnerabilities. With collaboration between government agencies and law enforcement, efforts are underway to address the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated tools utilized in vehicle thefts, safeguarding public safety and reducing financial losses associated with automotive crime.
Reference:
- Criminals have been using sophisticated tools to steal cars. And Canadians are rightfully worried
- Government of Canada hosts National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft
