404 Media

Inside the Underground Trade of Flipper Zero Tech to Break into Cars

Verge

Is the Flipper Zero the next big car theft gadget?

The Drive

This $199 Hacking Device Will Probably Let Thieves Steal Your Car

Gizmodo

A Digital Underground Is Using the Flipper Zero to Break Into Cars

Banning hacking devices won't prevent car thefts, security experts say

<h2>Limited Coverage</h2>

The Flipper Zero, a $199 handheld device originally designed for hardware exploration and wireless protocol testing, is being modified by hackers to unlock vehicles from multiple manufacturers, including Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia.

The Flipper Zero, a $199 handheld device originally designed for hardware exploration and wireless protocol testing, is being modified by hackers to unlock vehicles from multiple manufacturers, including Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia.

A Russia-based hacker named Daniel has developed "Unleashed" firmware patches that enable the Flipper Zero to execute radio frequency identification (RFID) attacks on vehicles, selling these modifications for either $600 or $1,000, depending on the version.

A Russia-based hacker named Daniel has developed "Unleashed" firmware patches that enable the Flipper Zero to execute radio frequency identification (RFID) attacks on vehicles, selling these modifications for either $600 or $1,000, depending on the version.

Daniel claims to have sold his firmware to around 150 customers over the past two years, with the software allegedly working against nearly 200 specific vehicle models, including many 2025 versions across multiple automotive brands.

Daniel claims to have sold his firmware to around 150 customers over the past two years, with the software allegedly working against nearly 200 specific vehicle models, including many 2025 versions across multiple automotive brands.

The modified Flipper Zero creates what Daniel describes as a "shadow copy of the original key" by intercepting and cloning a key fob's radio signal, though current capabilities appear limited to unlocking vehicles rather than starting them.</span

The modified Flipper Zero creates what Daniel describes as a "shadow copy of the original key" by intercepting and cloning a key fob's radio signal, though current capabilities appear limited to unlocking vehicles rather than starting them.

Reverse engineer Cody Kociemba, known as Trikk, predicted that "Kia Boys will be Flipper Boys by 2026," drawing parallels to the viral car theft trend where teenagers used USB cables to steal Hyundai and Kia vehicles lacking electronic immobilizers.</span

Reverse engineer Cody Kociemba, known as Trikk, predicted that "Kia Boys will be Flipper Boys by 2026," drawing parallels to the viral car theft trend where teenagers used USB cables to steal Hyundai and Kia vehicles lacking electronic immobilizers.

Flipper Devices stated they are not aware of officially confirmed theft cases using their device and argued that car manufacturers should improve security, while Canada initially moved to ban the tool in February 2023 before subsequently walking back the prohibition.</span

Flipper Devices stated they are not aware of officially confirmed theft cases using their device and argued that car manufacturers should improve security, while Canada initially moved to ban the tool in February 2023 before subsequently walking back the prohibition.

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A Russia-based hacker named Daniel has developed "Unleashed" firmware patches that enable the Flipper Zero to execute RFID attacks on vehicles, selling these modifications for either $600 or $1,000 depending on the package and support level offered.</span

A Russia-based hacker named Daniel has developed "Unleashed" firmware patches that enable the Flipper Zero to execute RFID attacks on vehicles, selling these modifications for either $600 or $1,000 depending on the package and support level offered.

Daniel claims to have sold his firmware to approximately 150 customers over the past two years, with the software allegedly working against nearly 200 specific vehicle models including many 2025 versions across multiple automotive brands.</span

Daniel claims to have sold his firmware to approximately 150 customers over the past two years, with the software allegedly working against nearly 200 specific vehicle models including many 2025 versions across multiple automotive brands.

This underground firmware market transforms legitimate security tools into criminal accessories, making car break-ins accessible to amateur thieves. With nearly 200 vehicle models vulnerable and software being cracked for free distribution, this represents a clear escalation in automotive crime technology. The ease of use threatens to create the next viral theft trend.

This underground firmware market transforms legitimate security tools into criminal accessories, making car break-ins accessible to amateur thieves. With nearly 200 vehicle models vulnerable and software being cracked for free distribution, this represents a clear escalation in automotive crime technology. The ease of use threatens to create the next viral theft trend.

Flipper Zero Underground Market Targets Car Security Systems

Robberies and thefts

Crime & justice

Science & technology

Car theft risks demand a two-pronged response: automakers must modernize security with stronger anti-theft technology, while regulators must tightly control hacking tools like the Flipper Zero. Without both industry innovation and oversight, criminals will exploit outdated systems and freely available exploits to fuel a surge in theft.

Car theft risks demand a two-pronged response: automakers must modernize security with stronger anti-theft technology, while regulators must tightly control hacking tools like the Flipper Zero. Without both industry innovation and oversight, criminals will exploit outdated systems and freely available exploits to fuel a surge in theft.

The threat of devices like Flipper Zero is overstated — modern cars use rolling codes that block simple hacks. Banning these tools won't deter criminals, who already access black-market tech, but it will punish researchers and hobbyists. Real progress comes from manufacturers updating security standards, not burdensome regulations that hurt law-abiding citizens.

The threat of devices like Flipper Zero is overstated — modern cars use rolling codes that block simple hacks. Banning these tools won't deter criminals, who already access black-market tech, but it will punish researchers and hobbyists. Real progress comes from manufacturers updating security standards, not burdensome regulations that hurt law-abiding citizens.

Underground Hacking Market Targets Car Security Systems

FlipperUnderground ZeroHacking Underground Market Targets Car Security Systems

The Spin

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Underground Hacking Market Targets Car Security Systems

FlipperUnderground ZeroHacking Underground Market Targets Car Security Systems

The Spin

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