Thieves us intelligent devices to ‘hack’ the brain of the vehicle and are then able to bypass the vehicles integrated security protocols, using  genuine industry hardware, but in a sinister way.  It is not illegal to own these devices nor for companies to sell them, furthermore there is no licencing required or checks to confirm the legitimacy of buyers. This equipment is readily available through multiple resellers online. Most of these devices are pre-programmed so that when they plug into a vehicle, the alarm is turned off during the ‘hacking’ process. Once ‘hacked’ these devices usually then program a new key or trick the vehicle into thinking the key is already present. In many instances this process can take less than 30 seconds before the thief can drive the vehicle away. Another issue facing the drives is as vehicles become more connected and integrated into  owners lives, is the threat that sensitive personal information stored in the vehicle may also be hacked and stolen using the same process through the OBD port.

Portector is an innovative hardware solution which permanently integrates into the vehicle (without the need to cut into the wiring) and is designed specifically to protect a vehicles OBD port. It works by stopping the information travelling to the OBD port and therefore prevents a thief from accessing it, effectively closing the OBD port whilst Portector is armed. Think about an electronic safe being securely fitted on the end of the port. When armed the safe is closed and locked, retaining all of the valuable information in the vehicle. When unlocked and open everything is available.