Loophole open to phone hackers

Photo / Greg Bowker

Hackers could remotely whisper messages to your car through a security hole on wireless hands-free kits.

Software available on the internet hacks into hands-free speaker phones for cars.

Computer security experts in Europe developed the hack in 2005 to encourage manufacturers to stop using standard passwords in wireless devices.

Online manuals for two products popular in New Zealand, the Blueant Supertooth 3 and Parrot Minikit Slim, show they have passwords of "0000" and "1234".

The hacking software, called Car Whisperer, lets laptops connect to some hands-free sets in nearby cars and broadcast messages through their speakers.

Parrot Minikit Slim's New Zealand distributors, Digital Logistics Group, said hackers couldn't listen to conversations or steal phone lists.

Product and technical support Gary Davis said: "You can't access any information. It's absolutely impossible."