News RSS Feed


Researchers hack Oyster cards

11:05am Monday 17th March 2008

comment Comments (3)   Have your say »


A pair of German university researchers claim to have hacked into the security protecting Oyster cards from being cloned.

Karsten Nohl and Henryk Platz first hacked parts of the chip last December and have this week published an academic paper showing how to crack the chip's encryption technology.

Engineering PhD student Mr Nohl said he did not intend to help hackers but had wanted to highlight the vulnerabilities of the cards.

Using the information, it is believed the cards could be copied using a home computer and card reader.

The chips used in Oyster-type cards are manufactured in Holland and used around the world.

Transport for London says its Oyster cards carry extra security measures and it is confident it could spot cloned cards.

Print article » Email to a friend »

Your Say YourThis Is Local London

Steve, Sidcup says...
12:00pm Mon 17 Mar 08

And I suppose they want to sell us the fix!

Report this post »

Jock, London says...
2:13pm Mon 17 Mar 08

I'd like to see them try hacking a similar system in the US. Their feet wouldn't even touch the Atlantic on the way to a courtroom!!


Report this post »

Steve, Indianapolis (TTH) says...
4:45pm Mon 17 Mar 08

@Jock

The Mifare Classic is on systems in the US. Boston's T-Card just to name one. (Mifare Classic is used on the Oyster as well.)

NXP created a new version, so yes Steve they do want to sell the fix. :-)

Report this post »

Comments are closed on this article.

Oyster cards are to be given away Researchers claim to have hacked Oyster card security

In this section

Essential Links

Sponsored Links



Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »