http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/ Engadget Comments for Malaysian laptop thieves using mystery gadget to pick which cars to break into http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/However, this would only work with laptops are on, and you'd end up with a lot of connections from laptops outside cars as well.
Another idea, LOOK IN THE WINDOW!]]>Aug 22nd 2006 9:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
I highly doubt every laptop they have stolen is powered up and detectable via Wi-Fi.]]>Aug 22nd 2006 9:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://tinyurl.com/ey9zw]]>Aug 22nd 2006 9:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 9:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Yeah.... no. "if you think of how RFID works", you'll realize that you only recieve a response from RFID tags, which are designed to recieve a signal and send out some data in response, usually using the miniscule energy provided by the wave from the reader to power itself. There's no way you could do that with something not designed to do that, because, well, it just wouldn't work. RFID tags aren't simple, and things not designed to be RFID tags can't spontaneously act like them any more than a ferret can spontaneously act like an F117A Nighthawk.
-Taylor]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
I've argued with her about this.. but she swears it is true. I can only think of an RFID tag on batteries is being detected.

I wonder if that Microsoft Windows XP liense sticker on the bottom of my laptop has an RFID tag in it?]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 10:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 10:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 10:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/

another thing I haven't checked.... theres the obvious "Wake on lan" option, but do any laptops have a "wake on wifi" or "wake on bluetooth" option? ]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
UP here in NY my laptop (DELL) was stolen from my car and it was hidden under the seat and no one saw me open it up when i parked the car, and after 15 min the window was smashed and the bag was gone... (Laptop was dead OFF)

Makes you think twice ... RFID on XP license ? RFID embedded inside laptop ? no way someone will notice a dead laptop as the wifi and bluetooth don't run on battery power while the laptop is turned off.

I guess i am gonna have to look into this issue.

Any comments ?????????]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Posted at 10:07PM on Aug 22nd 2006 by laxpod [ ! ]

no because car batteries are made out of lead and sulfuric acid while laptop batteries are of lithium ions... different elements and therefore differert in anytype of read out...]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 10:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
You watch a parking lot for a few days, figure out which people have laptops, then watch when those people don't take their enormous briefcases out of the car. Radio the smash-and-grab guy and he runs out, smashes the car, grabs the bag, and takes off. Boom.

How did Johnny Mnemonic put that? "If they expect high tech, go low tech."]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
"Van Eck phreaking is the process of eavesdropping on the contents of a CRT or LCD display by detecting its electromagnetic emissions. It is named after Dutch computer researcher Wim van Eck, who in 1985 published the first paper on it, including proof of concept...In the paper, Van Eck reports that in February 1985 a successful test of this concept was carried out with the cooperation of the BBC. Using a van with a VHF antenna array, they were able to eavesdrop from a "large distance"....While Van Eck phreaking potentially offers eavesdropping options without the interested person having to compromise the affected system in any hardware- or software-related way, in fact without even having to be in the same room, the practical applications are likely limited, unless unknown and substantial breakthroughs in ease of use have been made." -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Eck_Phreaking

I read about it in Neal Stephenson "Cryptonomicon," but in a fictional novel, anything can happen. I think chaoticset is right. I don't know what this particular district houses, but if it's a larger commercial area with lots of offices all you need to do is stake out a few parking lots around lunch time.]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
It's just a Honda-cup (that's what we Malaysians call motorcycles below 250cc), and some donuts and coffee == stalker/stake out.

They just follow you from work / home. Knowing very well, most office workers go off for dinner/movie after their work, and where's the best place to put a notebook? In the trunk of course. So, boom!

If thieves could afford scanners (Bluetooth, RFiD, etc), I doubt they would be stealing laptops anymore-lah!]]>Aug 22nd 2006 10:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 10:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 22nd 2006 11:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
- Tony R.]]>Aug 23rd 2006 12:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Here are the part numbers and specs... Companion 24 in. Bolt Cutters Sears item #00965676000 Mfr. model #65676

The second item is.. MeadeĀ® Comet Chaser 9 x 63 Roof Prism Binoculars Sears item #08010127000 Mfr. model #10127

Sorry I couldn't resist after all the serious $hit...]]>Aug 23rd 2006 12:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Several of my collegues just lost their laptops when their cars were broke in. Although they try to hide the laptops (cover with something else, put in the boot), but the thieves managed to locate the laptops. ]]>Aug 23rd 2006 3:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 4:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 5:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 8:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
http://www.quetel.com/docs/rfid/assetidspec.htm]]>Aug 23rd 2006 8:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
3 cars in the car park were done that night, the only ones with laptops in the boot/trunk.

The policeman who turned up said that they were using an electricians tool that detects electrical currents to "sweep" over the boots.

As most cars in the uk have their batteries in the front, then there was no interference from them.

I'm no expert so feel free to pick apart what I've said but this is what the policeman told him.]]>Aug 23rd 2006 9:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 9:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 10:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 10:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 11:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Over here in the UK, BT have been fitting physical lock-boxes, for laptops, to all their engineer's vans for years.]]>Aug 23rd 2006 12:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Summary: Improve your company's ability to account for and track information technology assets while dramatically reducing the time for inventory, checking hardware and software configuration, and maintaining physical security. Asset IDā„¢ Traq works with embedded radio-based identification tags. The system allows users to read from and write to RFID tags that come embedded inside select IBM desktop and Thinkpad computers. Tags are also available for attachment to other high-value assets.

http://www.quetel.com/docs/rfid/assetidspec.htm]]>Aug 23rd 2006 1:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Sweet! I just found a car with a CD player in it, I can steal.

If you can detect any hardware via the internal clock, I'm sure a thief would be happy to know that the time spent breaking into a car would yeild some tech goodness.]]>Aug 23rd 2006 2:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Since the cars power is supplied with a battery there is no em emission from the electrical system (Well, except for the cars on-board computer)]]>Aug 23rd 2006 5:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
Uh, dude?

"...RFID tags, which are designed to recieve a signal and send out some data in response, usually using the MINISCULE ENERGY PROVIDED FROM THE WAVE FROM THE READER TO POWER ITSELF."

You owe me $1,000,000 USD. Payable through paypal to cmmcnamara@comcast.net]]>Aug 23rd 2006 7:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 7:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 23rd 2006 10:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Aug 24th 2006 12:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
When a device is powered off, there is no electro magnetic frequency being generated. Only the CMOS battery... but that signal is so weak, that even the sun's rays and Over the Air radio frequencies will kill the EMF coming frmo the CMOS battery.

Fire flames at will!

cheers!

Does engadget now send me a prize for answering the million dollar question!?

hehe

=)]]>Aug 25th 2006 9:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/Sep 15th 2006 2:39AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/22/malaysian-laptop-thieves-using-mystery-gadget-to-pick-which-cars/
]]>Sep 20th 2006 8:58PM