High court stops paper that could unlock Porsches

The three researchers who wrote a paper detailing how to crack cryptography around ignition keys agree to delay the publishing of their research.

10:19 01 August 2013

Three British and Dutch researchers, who have written a paper that can crack cryptography around ignition keys of different cars, have agreed to defer the publication of their research following a high court injunction.

The cryptography research had prompted legal actions by the cars’ manufacturer Volkswagen.

Volkswagen said that the research made by computer scientist Flavio Garcia and two Dutch colleagues could result to the theft of both luxury and lower-end cars.

Meanwhile, the University of Birmingham said that it is “disappointed” with the judgement.

The university spokesman said: "The University of Birmingham is disappointed with the judgment which did not uphold the defence of academic freedom and public interest, but respects the decision.

“It has decided to defer publication of the academic paper in any form while additional technical and legal advice is obtained given the continuing litigation.”

Dutch researchers claim that they were not involved in any reckless research. They said: "The paper reveals inherent weaknesses, on the basis of mathematical calculations, and is based on an analysis of publicly available information.

“The publication in no way describes how to easily steal a car, as additional and different information is needed for this to be possible.”