Security Watch: Gone in 60 seconds--the high-tech version

Does anyone remember how thieves used to steal cars back in the day? Pick the lock, use a slimjim or something similar, or just cheat and bust out a window. Well, it looks like the common car thief job qualifications just went up. Now all someone needs is a laptop and the ability to make some small talk. The Mercedes S550 has this cool, high tech keyless entry and ignition system. So what is wrong with that? The problem is that the system uses a 40 bit encrypted code sequence. 40 bit encryption was crack so long ago that it isn't funny. Anyone with just a little bit of computer skills can crack a 40 bit code in just minutes. Once that code it crack, that car is yours. Makes you think, huh.