Flipper Zero makers respond to Canada’s ‘harmful’ ban proposal
Bleeping Computer – Bill Toulas
Here are the key points regarding the response from Flipper Zero makers to the proposed ban in Canada:
1) The Canadian government plans to ban imports of “consumer hacking devices” like Flipper Zero, accusing them of facilitating car thefts which have risen to 90,000 annually.
2) Flipper Devices, the maker of Flipper Zero, argues these accusations are ill-informed and that Flipper Zero cannot steal cars using keyless entry systems.
3) They explain that actual car theft requires expensive signal repeater devices costing $5,000-$15,000, which Flipper Zero is not designed for.
4) Flipper Zero has limited power (10 milliwatts) compared to the multiple radio modules and watts of power required for effective signal repeating attacks.
5) The proposed ban is selective as Flipper Zero’s internal electronics are widely available and used in numerous other devices.
6) Flipper Devices criticizes focusing on the tools rather than the root problem of outdated and vulnerable access control systems in automobiles.
7) They argue prohibiting security research tools will exacerbate vulnerabilities by leaving devices exposed for longer periods.
8) The company calls for support from the security community, urging people to sign a petition against the ban.
9) Canadian fans have created the ‘Save Flipper’ website to raise awareness and encourage contacting parliament representatives to oppose the measures
In essence, Flipper Devices defends Flipper Zero as a legitimate security tool, arguing the proposed Canadian ban wrongly targets the tool instead of addressing the core issue of insecure automotive systems.
Link: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/flipper-zero-makers-respond-to-canadas-harmful-ban-proposal/