Mike's Lock & Ekeys 4 Cars

Please don't be offended when we ask for proof of ownership for the vehicle we are generating a key for. We need to make sure that the person we are making the key for is the actual OWNER of the vehicle. Thanks .... and may God bless.

Mike's Lock & Ekeys 4 Cars updated their business hours.

Mike's Lock & Ekeys 4 Cars updated their business hours.

We are still up and running !!! Sanitizing like mad !!! Although we are limited to the number of service calls we can do, we are still scheduling shop calls to fit your schedule !! Don't put off getting that extra key for your vehicle !!! Take care and be safe out there !!!!

We are there for you during this trying times. If you call and we are unable to get to the phone, please leave a voice mail and we WILL return your call !!! Take care of yourselves and be safe !!!

Please be patient with us as we are re-doing our website. We can still be contacted at 319-330-9185. It should only be a day ... maybe 2. Thanks so much in advance !!!!!

Mike's Lock & Ekeys 4 Cars updated their business hours.

Mike's Lock & Ekeys 4 Cars updated their business hours.

Locksmith scammers are now starting to infiltrate Iowa. Protect yourself from these criminals, and here is how:

Tips for Avoiding the Scam (some of this information has been garnered from some of the best locksmith companies in the states.)

1. Always Get a Flat Rate Over the Phone First

Any time you hear the words “and up,” run in the other direction. A legitimate locksmith knows the price of each job and will be able to give you a flat quote and a very small price range depending on the situation. Although there are SOME instances that a flat rate cannot be given, but the legitimate locksmith will ask many questions to narrow down your needs.

2. Find a Locksmith Before Its Needed

Before an emergency that requires a locksmith, investigate qualified companies in your area. Please keep in mind that not all locksmiths do everything. Many specialize. Keep the information on your phone where it's accessible.

3. Generic Answering

Instead of answering the phone with the name of the locksmith or his business, the call center will say something like “locksmith services,” or “locksmith.” Ask for the name of the company you're calling. At a call center, many calls are routed, and they won't be able to give you the right name. You might ask them where they're located as well. These are two of the easiest ways to reveal a fraud.

4. Unmarked Vehicles

The fake locksmiths are contractors with no license, although in many states there is NO licensing laws, and Iowa is one of them. They won't have a vehicle for the company you've called. Unmarked vehicles are the second big giveaway when it comes to revealing a scam. You're free to call another locksmith if the unmarked vehicle makes you nervous. They will try to pressure you into paying the service charge, but please don’t. That is part of the scam. If they do, call the police immediately !!

5. Ask for an ID

Before the locksmith begins his work, ask for ID and his license (if applicable). He should be able to provide both. All legitimate locksmiths will have these, if their states require a license.

So protect yourself and your family from scammers !! Do not be afraid to call local law enforcement if you feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Mike's Lock & eKeys 4 Cars

Mike's Lock & eKeys 4 Cars wishes to all of our friends, family, and business partners, all the happiness and joy this time of year can bring. May God bless you all ... and have a prosperous New Year !!!

This is a little old ... but everyone should still be aware of scammers !!

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

RICHARD G. CALLAHAN
United States Attorney

For Immediate Release

OWNERS OF FLORIDA LOCKSMITH SERVICE INDICTED IN SCAM TO OVERCHARGE FOR LOCKSMITH SERVICES

St. Louis, MO: The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that the owners of a Florida based locksmith service were charged in a superseding indictment on multiple federal charges involving a scam to overcharge customers for locksmith services, as well as employing and harboring illegal aliens.

According to the superseding indictment, Dependable Locks, Inc., headquartered in Clearwater, FL, managed a national network of locksmith technicians, operating from major population centers across the United States, including St. Louis. It also maintained a full-time staff of telephone operators and dispatchers, who were on duty 24 hours per day in Clearwater. The dispatchers received phone calls electronically forwarded from hundreds to thousands of telephone numbers listed nationwide for emergency locksmith services, all of which forwarded consumer calls to the call center in Florida. The dispatchers received the calls and the business dispatched locksmith technicians from the area of the call to respond. Many of the locksmith technicians working for Dependable Locks were aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States and were not authorized to work as locksmith technicians.

The indictment alleges that the locksmith company engaged in deceptive marketing by purchasing directory listings and advertisements in cities across the United States that identified the business to the public as a set of local locksmith companies. The company’s listings used multiple business names, local phone numbers and fake local addresses that had no affiliation with the company. Phone calls to the listed phone numbers were automatically routed to the company’s call center in Clearwater, Florida. In addition, telephone operators for Dependable Locks were instructed by managers to mislead customers to believe that they would be charged around $54 for a car lockout, while the responding technician was instructed by managers to charge up to $179 for a lockout. Technicians used techniques such as accusing the consumer who objected to the overcharge of "theft of services," threatening to call the police, withholding the customer's keys or driver's license to compel payment or following the customer to an ATM machine to ensure payment.

The locksmith technicians allegedly were allowed to split the profits of the fraudulently procured locksmith services with the company and were required to remit the company's share of the proceeds by regularly purchasing and shipping cash, checks and money orders to the Dependable Locks location in Clearwater, FL.

"After more than a year of following numerous leads with ICE and the Missouri Attorney General's Office, we are pleased to see this case continue to progress," said Postal Inspector J.R. Ball of the St. Louis Field Office. He added, "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is vigilant in investigating allegations where the mail or postal products are used to conceal or further a crime."

DAVID PEER, Clearwater, FL; and ADAM OLIVKOVICH, address unknown, were indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five felony counts of mail fraud, one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain and one felony count of engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens. MOSHE AHARONI, Clearwater, FL, was indicted on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain.

Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Conspiracy to harbor unlawful aliens for private financial gain carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or a fine of $3,000 per alien. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys John Sauer and John Ware are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Website

We have now added another new programmer and two new high security machines to our fold, adding to what state of the art equipment we have now, and have expanded our transponder key programming to many new models.

Don't be stuck with just one key. CALL TODAY and set an appointment for another key !!

http://mikesekeys4cars.com/

Website Visit Mike's Lock and eKeys4cars for any automotive or key control needs. Over 20 years of experience. Dependable service. Call 319-330-9185 today.

Every year, Mike's Lock & eKeys 4 Cars faces new challenges.

Over the past few years, the automotive industry has created a high security car key that makes it almost impossible for car theft and very difficult to duplicate.

We have invested in the most high tech equipment to be able to duplicate and program sidewinder keys, also known as a laser-cut key.

This isn't your corner hardware-store operation anymore.

Although there are some cars still being produced on the road that use mechanical keys, 99% of new models have some sort of electronic (transponder or emulated board) device.

That, coupled with high security laser-cut keys, there are very limited outlets where you can get your car key duplicated.

Don't wait until you lose your only key and be stranded. Call today and get that key duplicated.

Midwest Keyless sponsored High Security auto and LISHI class.

The entire class description is way too long to post here, so go to our website and get all the info you need. We also have a block of rooms for Friday nite if you need it.

Class is $100 for non members and $75 for members.

There is a sign up link on the site as well.

Here is the link:

http://iowachapteraloa.com/classes/

Hope to see you there !!!

E004 Comprehensive Access Control (L-40) - Smartsheet.com

October 22-23, 2016: ALOA ACE Class

E004 Comprehensive Access Control (L-39) – 16 hours
Sponsored partially by Clark Security Products

Instructor: Greg Perry, CML ,CPS

Time: 8am – 5pm (Lunch 12-1pm)

Cost Includes Lunch – Iowa Chapter Members: $200.00

Non-Members: $225.00

Registration Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form?EQBCT=8dbc9f223f264963990df2e25314ede1

Deadline is: October 14, 2016


Instructor BIO: Greg Perry, CML, CPS is a Certified ACE Instructor, a long time member of ALOA and SAVTA and has taught access control and safe lock classes on a local and national basis. He is the author of the SafeData CDRom database reference program and has written numerous articles for Keynotes, Safe & Vault Technology and others. Greg was the recipient of the 2002 and 2003 Keynotes Author of the Year award.

Access Control Class Description:

Access control is growing at a rate three times greater than that of standard locks. This is a must course for a Locksmith to maintain continual growth and success. This class will consist of a half-day lecture and a day
and a half of lab experience of single and multiple door access control systems.

Students will learn of the various reader technologies (including smart card), communication formats, operating systems, integration and system designs to name a few. Students will receive handouts and software.

Materials to bring to class: Small narrow blade screwdriver, wire st*****rs and voltage ohmmeter. PC Laptop recommended.

Prerequisite: Students should have an understanding of basic electricity with some PC experience. The information presented will be useful in preparing for PRP section L-40.

PRP Section L-39 will be offered after class. ALOA Members – $20.00 & Non-Members – $25.00.

_______________________________________________________________________________

All classes and tests are held at:

Holiday Inn Airport

6111 Fleur Dr.

Des Moines, IA 50321

Phone: 515-287-2400

*** Mention Iowa Chapter ALOA for room discount includes free breakfast, cost is $115.00.

E004 Comprehensive Access Control (L-40) - Smartsheet.com

Never travel with just ONE car key .... always have the spare with you. Losing that key can be very expensive to replace while on the road.

Our newest programmer has finally arrived, giving us the capability to handle more vehicles than ever. Don't drive around with just one key .... call now a get that second one.

Creating auto keys is not like it was even 10 years ago. Times have changed, technology has jumped light years. We now have the most progressive and up to date programming equipment that the market produces today. Don't drive around with ONE car key ......... get the spare before it's too late.

We have ordered and received new programming equipment keep up with the ever changing technology on new vehicles. Hopefully we will soon have the ability to program keys for the new Chrysler vehicles on the Fiat platform. Thanks again for all of your continued support.

We now have the capability to re-flash OLDER Toyota and Lexus vehicles when all keys are lost. We soon hope to be able to program all new Chrysler products on the Fiat platform.

app.smartsheet.com

Hello!

I hope everyone is having a great summer!!

We have a special treat, having Dave McOmie, a world renowned Safe Specialist, coming to Iowa on September 26 & 27!
This class will provide 2 days of hands on training and you can bring a locked safe to open.

Submit your online registration now: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form?EQBCT=d66d5221da8d43b79cfe72013e0d2f14

Find Instructor and Class Details on the Iowa Chapter ALOA's website: http://iowachapteraloa.com/classes/

app.smartsheet.com

We need to thank Jim Hetchler and Jason Frank for giving the Iowa Chapter of ALOA 2 days of outstanding automotive class.

Their classes were two of the best we have had. Both guys went above and beyond ANYTHING we could have expected.

Friday evening Jim gave a great orientation to Lishi tools, and Jason gave an outstanding class on Automotive High Security locks.

Saturday Jim gave his Tips, Tricks, Transponder and eEprom class, with Jason stepping in and assisting.

We must thank Strattec for providing free Ford Fiesta ignition and door locks for the class to work with (which we got to keep), as well as other goodies, including a 4 button IKT key for each attendee.

Midwest Keyless provided Lishi tools for the class, and Bill Youngson (representing Original Lishi) gave Ford HS HU100 Lishi tools for door prizes Friday evening.

We had 20 attendees, including many from out of state. We hope to get Jim back again next year. Sorry, Jim about the early flights .... :-)

Thanks to Nola Deets, our treasurer, for picking such a great venue at the Holiday Inn Airport in Des Moines. It was absolutely a great classroom area and hotel to be at.

If I have forgotten anyone, please accept my apologies.

Best regards to all concerned, as EVERY class attendee went away happy and their heads exploding with information.

Mike Merritt -- President, Iowa Chapter of ALOA

Thanks to all of those that have registered for the Jim Hetchler transponder class in Des Moines,IA on July 31 and August 1. Jim will be giving an introductory class on Lishi tools, and Jason Frank will be giving a mini high security class on Friday night. Jim's transponder class will be all day Saturday. Midwest Keyless will have a rep there, with some outstanding prices on Original Lishi and other items, and Strattec has donated locks for the high security class. Jason will have a great price on his High Security Books on flash drive as well. Absolutely an outstanding time and tons of information, and the price was so right. So .... can't wait to see you there.

Classes | Iowa Chapter ALOA

Anyone that does safe work, this class registration ends Friday the 10th.

Deadline for this class is this Friday, April 10. Please go to our website and download ALL of the information.

http://iowachapteraloa.com/classes/


Saturday, May 9, 2015: Introduction to Safe Servicing – ACE (SV001)
Instructor: Harry Sher, CML, CPS
Location: Holiday Inn Airport
6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: $150.00 (includes lunch)
$125.00 IA Chapter Member (includes lunch)
Test: After class PRP Test # L-24, cost: $25.00

Sunday, May 10, 2015: ALOA PRP Sitting – Testing
Location: Holiday Inn Airport, 6111 Fleur Dr. Des Moines, IA
Time: 8:00am -12:00pm
Registration forms must be turned in to ALOA by April 24, 2015

Classes | Iowa Chapter ALOA Saturday, May 9, 2015: Introduction to Safe Servicing – ACE (SV001) Instructor: Harry Sher, CML, CPS Location: Holiday Inn Airport 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321 Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm Cost: $150.00 (includes lunch) $125.00 IA Chapter Member (includes lunch) Test: After class PRP Test # L-24,…

corporatecolumbo.com

Help protect yourself from locksmith scammers and the like.

http://corporatecolumbo.com/locksmith_scams.html

corporatecolumbo.com

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

RICHARD G. CALLAHAN
United States Attorney

For Immediate Release

OWNERS OF FLORIDA LOCKSMITH SERVICE INDICTED IN SCAM TO OVERCHARGE FOR LOCKSMITH SERVICES

St. Louis, MO: The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that the owners of a Florida based locksmith service were charged in a superseding indictment on multiple federal charges involving a scam to overcharge customers for locksmith services, as well as employing and harboring illegal aliens.

According to the superseding indictment, Dependable Locks, Inc., headquartered in Clearwater, FL, managed a national network of locksmith technicians, operating from major population centers across the United States, including St. Louis. It also maintained a full-time staff of telephone operators and dispatchers, who were on duty 24 hours per day in Clearwater. The dispatchers received phone calls electronically forwarded from hundreds to thousands of telephone numbers listed nationwide for emergency locksmith services, all of which forwarded consumer calls to the call center in Florida. The dispatchers received the calls and the business dispatched locksmith technicians from the area of the call to respond. Many of the locksmith technicians working for Dependable Locks were aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States and were not authorized to work as locksmith technicians.

The indictment alleges that the locksmith company engaged in deceptive marketing by purchasing directory listings and advertisements in cities across the United States that identified the business to the public as a set of local locksmith companies. The company’s listings used multiple business names, local phone numbers and fake local addresses that had no affiliation with the company. Phone calls to the listed phone numbers were automatically routed to the company’s call center in Clearwater, Florida. In addition, telephone operators for Dependable Locks were instructed by managers to mislead customers to believe that they would be charged around $54 for a car lockout, while the responding technician was instructed by managers to charge up to $179 for a lockout. Technicians used techniques such as accusing the consumer who objected to the overcharge of "theft of services," threatening to call the police, withholding the customer's keys or driver's license to compel payment or following the customer to an ATM machine to ensure payment.

The locksmith technicians allegedly were allowed to split the profits of the fraudulently procured locksmith services with the company and were required to remit the company's share of the proceeds by regularly purchasing and shipping cash, checks and money orders to the Dependable Locks location in Clearwater, FL.

"After more than a year of following numerous leads with ICE and the Missouri Attorney General's Office, we are pleased to see this case continue to progress," said Postal Inspector J.R. Ball of the St. Louis Field Office. He added, "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is vigilant in investigating allegations where the mail or postal products are used to conceal or further a crime."

DAVID PEER, Clearwater, FL; and ADAM OLIVKOVICH, address unknown, were indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five felony counts of mail fraud, one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain and one felony count of engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens. MOSHE AHARONI, Clearwater, FL, was indicted on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain.

Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Conspiracy to harbor unlawful aliens for private financial gain carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or a fine of $3,000 per alien. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys John Sauer and John Ware are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Visit the new website ... about 99% done. Blog page is almost completed, but not quite. :-)

www.mikesekeys4cars.com

Today show MSNBC news locksmith SCAM

Avoiding Locksmith Scammers - Protect Yourself!

With no licensing laws in Iowa, locksmith scammers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Iowa; due in part to former burglars getting out of jail who already have the skills and knowledge to open locks, but also due to instructions on how to pick licks or construct bump keys being readily available on the internet. They simply take out ad listings with fake addresses located in your town and real phone numbers that travel through to their call switchboard, usually in another state. You are given a realistic price quote for the type of service you request. Then the scammers call one of their local operatives to come and open your lock for you. Once the work is done, you get an inflated bill for much more than the price quoted. If you balk, the operative becomes very threatening until you pay for his or her services because you have no choice.

See the below links for illegal scammers caught in the act, and there are hundreds more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjjdK9HveoI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOb8dWQkF5E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQtZCdBYj_s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyxqc6BVwa4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=JHTepUqEhmE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dXtZAw58rnw
Here are a few ways to protect yourself from fraudulent locksmith scammers:

1. Check our national ALOA website (www.aloa.org) or our state association website (http://www.iowa-locksmith.com/) for a certified and background checked locksmith.

2. When the locksmith arrives, check out their vehicle. Be very dubious if they roll up in an unmarked vehicle or if their behavior seems unprofessional in any way.

3. If you run into trouble and encounter threats or other unreasonable behavior, call the police.

4. If you’re locked out of your car and have a roadside assistance service, call them first. AAA will refer you to a qualified locksmith, even if you are not a member.

Today show MSNBC news locksmith SCAM Watch the video of crooks who hunt you with the cheapest locksmith services prices online

NHTSA urges owners of recalled Takata airbag vehicles to take immediate action

Recalls of defective Takata airbag inflators have now grown to include approximately 7.8 million U.S. vehicles. The airbags were manufactured with a propellant that may erupt with excessive force when a crash occurs, potentially shooting shrapnel into the passenger cabin. At least two deaths are alleged to have been caused by the faulty air bags.

Takata Airbag Recall Update – Act Now!

Recent additional recalls have prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a second press release recommending that owners of affected vehicles "act immediately" to have the defective airbags replaced at no charge by a local dealer.

The recalls involve selected 2000-2011 models from Acura, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Subaru and Toyota. Most owners of affected vehicles should have already received recall notices. Any vehicle owner who is unsure whether his/her car is involved in this campaign can find out using NHTSA's new VIN lookup tool that provides recall information based on the car's unique Vehicle Identification Number.

Again, any vehicle owner who receives a recall notice related to an airbag problem should contact their local dealer immediately and have the necessary repairs performed as soon as possible.


Sources and Resources:

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/10/20/nhtsa-urgent-takata-airbag-recall-warning-issued/

http://www.ibtimes.com/takata-airbag-recall-does-your-car-have-one-these-dangerous-shrapnel-spitting-airbags-1652302

http://www.wxyz.com/money/auto-news/full-list-government-updates-recall-now-warns-drivers-of-61-million-vehicles-of-air-bag-problems

http://aicweb.aaa.com/group/aet-comms/previous-articles/-/asset_publisher/0iaG/content/airbag-recalls-expanding?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Faicweb.aaa.com%2Fgroup%2Faet-comms%2Fprevious-articles%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_0iaG%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-1%26p_p_col_pos%3D1%26p_p_col_count%3D2%26_101_INSTANCE_0iaG_advancedSearch%3Dfalse%26_101_INSTANCE_0iaG_keywords%3D%26_101_INSTANCE_0iaG_delta%3D20%26_101_INSTANCE_0iaG_cur%3D2%26_101_INSTANCE_0iaG_andOperator%3Dtrue%26%23p_101_INSTANCE_0iaG#p_101_INSTANCE_0iaG

NHTSA urges owners of recalled Takata airbag vehicles to take immediate action The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation are urging drivers to have vehicles repaired for faulty Takata airbag inflators.

By Mike Wereschagin
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, 9:06 p.m.

Old appliances might be dumb, but at least they're loyal.

The “smart” appliances coming into the marketplace — thermostats that know when people are home, doors that unlock when a homeowner gets close, and lights that turn on via cellphone — could betray their owners to hackers, thieves and even bosses, cybersecurity experts say. We are only beginning to understand the security and privacy challenges in a world where even refrigerators can connect to the Internet, they said.

“There is no such thing as a completely secure system,” said Anthony Rowe, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's CyLab.

Public exposure to such systems is expanding quickly. On Sept. 4, PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch and Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Hollidaysburg, rode in an autonomous vehicle from Cranberry to Pittsburgh International Airport. It navigated 33 miles of roads without a person touching a control.

“They want to keep adding more and more technology, which involves adding more and more computers,” said Chris Valasek, director of security intelligence at Seattle-based IOActive.

Carjacked

Valasek, who lives in Shadyside, teamed with another computer scientist to hack into a 2010 Ford Escape and a 2010 Toyota Prius. The cars sported an assisted-parking feature that allows a computer inside the vehicle to park it automatically. For the feature to work, a computer must be able to control direction, acceleration and braking.

After plugging into the cars' data ports, Valasek and his partner, Charlie Miller, were able to take over those systems and others, even at highway speeds. Hackers have shown they can get into cars wirelessly through Bluetooth, cellular and even tire pressure monitoring systems.

“Right now, I don't think anyone has a good grasp on the current state of security of all these computers in the automobile,” Valasek said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Society for Automotive Engineers said this year that they're beginning to focus more on cybersecurity issues.

“We do make every effort to do our best to stay one step ahead of hackers and attempts to get into our electronic control system,” said Toyota spokeswoman Cindy Knight. She declined to say whether Valasek's work prompted changes. “Vehicles are increasingly automated and therefore increasingly vulnerable to tampering. It's an industry issue, and it's a big industry issue.”

Ford did not respond to questions about Valasek and Miller's work, presented at a Las Vegas cybersecurity convention in August.

Home intruders

Connecting computers to machines and then connecting those machines to the Internet allows better monitoring, more efficient operation and more precise maintenance. General Electric, a leader in the move toward the “industrial Internet” or “Internet of things,” claims the increased efficiency could save $150 billion a year. Increasing airliners' fuel efficiency by just 1 percent, for example, would save the airline industry $30 billion a year, according to GE.

If engineers on the ground can connect to jet engines, “what if a bad guy could get into that communications channel? That would not be good,” said Chris Blask, CEO of the consulting firm ICS Cybersecurity Inc.

A GE spokeswoman declined to comment on the company's security programs.

The technology raises privacy concerns as well. Smart thermostats can “learn” when people are home so they don't waste energy heating or cooling an empty house. In the wrong hands, that information can turn a person's air conditioner into a spy, Rowe said.

“What if it's being used to document how often people are in their offices, how long their lunch breaks last, how often they're in restrooms?” Rowe said. “I don't think any of us will be very happy if this data is made public or presented to employers.”

Widespread chaos

A hacker messing with the lights or heating and cooling system in a home might be a nuisance, but doing the same to hundreds or thousands of homes at once could overload the power grid, Rowe said. Thieves could use the data to determine when a home or office is unoccupied.

The Stuxnet worm discovered in 2010 showed how lines of electronic code could cause havoc.

Worms infect computers like viruses but can spread on their own. Stuxnet, which many believe U.S. and Israeli intelligence services developed, infected computers in Iran's nuclear program and knocked out about 1,000 high-precision centrifuges used to enrich uranium.

“The attacks seem designed to force a change in the centrifuge's rotor speed, first raising the speed and then lowering it, likely with the intention of inducing excessive vibrations or distortions that would destroy the centrifuge,” according to a 2010 study of Stuxnet by the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington nonprofit research institute.

Valasek and Miller could control the cars they hacked because automakers tied systems together. The speedometer, steering wheel, accelerator and brakes are not connected to the outside world but are connected to a computer network that is.

Once Valasek and Miller broke through the outer wall of security, they could access just about anything computer-controlled.

That's typical of many supposedly secure systems, Blask said. He cited airport runway lights as an example. Designers never anticipated they would be hacked because their connection to the outside world is not obvious, he said.

“It's extremely unlikely you could cause (a plane crash), but you could certainly get the attention of CNN and the traveling public,” Blask said.

It might take something that sensational to get companies to better secure these systems, Valasek said.

“For real action to happen on these types of issues, you need to have a public incident,” he said.