Story 2015-05-11

Keyless entry fobs result in rash of vehicle thefts

by
in security on (#8TR4)
story imageAs vehicles become more technologically advanced, thieves are becoming technologically savvy, too. Cars with a hands-free key fobs typically unlock a car within about 30 centimeters. But across the USA, thieves have begun using a device called a power amplifier to help unlock cars. The amplifier, which can cost less than $20 over the Internet - takes the signal from the car and projects it as far as 100 meters, so your car can find your key fob in your purse, pocket or the table where you dump your stuff when you come in the door.

In Toronto, Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, Springfield, and more cities, police have reported a spike in thefts from Toyota and Lexus SUVs, Priuses, and more vehicles, all parked in owners' driveways with no signs of damage. As more people buy cars with these no-push key fobs, what's the solution to stopping this type of break-in? "Use a microwave" or wrap your keys in aluminum foil. The heavy metal cages block the signal. It's another case of convenience becoming a two-edged sword.

ISS resupply ship Progress 59 crashes into Pacific

by
in space on (#8TP3)
story imageThe Russian spacecraft that failed to dock at the International Space Station two weeks ago has safely crashed back into the Earth. NASA and Russian space agency Roscosmos report that Progress 59, which launched on April 27 on a supply mission to the ISS, re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean at 10:04PM ET last Wednesday night. NASA footage shows the Progress 59 spinning uncontrollably in space after it had launched successfully from Kazakhstan.

The US space agency said, in a statement, that the craft was not carrying any critical supplies and that the Russian and American sides of the ISS were "adequately supplied well beyond the next planned resupply flight." Around a ton of material was expected to have survived the craft's re-entry into the atmosphere, but what was left of the Progress 59 was not a danger to people on the ground as the craft landed somewhere in the central Pacific.