Flipper Zero: What You Need to Know About the $199 Car Hacking Gadget

Flipper Zero: What You Need to Know About the $199 Car Hacking Gadget

In recent weeks, the Flipper Zero—a small, orange-and-white $199 device—has captured headlines for its alleged use in car hacking. Reports from 404 Media suggest that underground hackers are using custom firmware to unlock a variety of vehicles, including brands like Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Kia. But how much of this is hype, and what can the Flipper Zero really do?

The Gadget Behind the Buzz

The Flipper Zero is marketed as a multipurpose tool for tech enthusiasts. Designed to explore access control systems, RFID, radio protocols, and hardware debugging via GPIO pins, it’s meant for security testing. In the past, it has been used for harmless pranks—like flipping TV channels in public spaces or interacting with iPhones.

How the Car “Hack” Works

The Flipper Zero car hack is based on intercepting and cloning key fob radio signals using third-party firmware. Underground developers sell patches for a few hundred dollars, claiming the device can unlock cars remotely. This is reminiscent of the “Kia Boys,” a group of teenagers who exploited vulnerabilities in Hyundai and Kia vehicles years ago.

Separating Myth from Reality

Despite the hype, Flipper Devices clarified that there are no confirmed cases of car theft using Flipper Zero. The device cannot act as a repeater or bypass modern rolling code systems, which are common in most newer vehicles. Independent reviews, including a thorough assessment by the New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), confirm the limitations of the device and debunk the idea that it can start engines or fully hack modern cars.

The Real Risk

The perceived threat mostly arises from outdated vulnerabilities that have been publicly documented since 2006. Firmware sold on the darknet simply repackages old exploits, and most of these attacks cannot start a car. True car theft today often involves relay attacks directly on keyless entry systems, not Flipper Zero gadgets. The real concern is how some car manufacturers continue to ship vehicles with outdated security models, leaving gaps that malicious actors could exploit using various tools.

Final Thoughts

Flipper Zero is a fascinating tool for hobbyists and security researchers, but it is not a magic car theft device. Reports of widespread car hacking are overblown. Vehicle owners should remain vigilant, keep up with manufacturer security updates, and use practical protections like steering locks or kill switches where advised. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the importance of modernizing car security systems rather than blaming a single device.