Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced Thursday that it will take all necessary steps to ban the use of devices that steal vehicles by copying radio signals for remote keyless entry. The agency plans to work with law enforcement agencies to remove these devices from the Canadian market. One such device is Flipper Zero.
Flipper Zero is a slim device about the size of a large USB stick that is popular among hobbyists and hackers. Through bundled open-source software, you can interact with various radio signals to clone RFID cards, open your garage, control your TV, and more.
flipper zero
“We will ban the import, sale and use of consumer hacking devices, such as flippers, used in these crimes,” Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in a statement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his pledge to crack down on tools that allegedly copy radio signals from vehicle key fobs to help thieves steal cars.
While the device has garnered attention for its versatility, security experts argue that Flipper Zero lacks the advanced features needed to defeat modern vehicle anti-theft protection. Attacks typically require more powerful hardware and modified software.
Alex Kuragin, chief operating officer of manufacturer Flipper Devices, said the gadget is “extremely underpowered to actually perform the latest car-based exploits.” The basic vehicle theft tools are “more advanced specialized devices.”
According to Alex Kulagin, COO of Flipper Devices, the Flipper Zero gadget lacks advanced features such as rolling codes to defeat modern vehicle security. He said the device cannot be used to hijack any vehicle, especially one manufactured after the 1990s.
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However, some YouTube videos have gone viral, hinting that the device can easily steal cars. In response, Amazon temporarily discontinued sales of Flipper Zero, but there was no evidence to support the claim that Flipper Zero could enable serious vehicle theft schemes. Brazilian authorities had previously deemed this illegal.
Mr. Kuragin expressed frustration that Canadian authorities did not engage directly with the company before targeting its products.