A security researcher who goes by the nickname of Plore has bypassed the security locks of the Armatix IP1 smart pistol by using only three magnets worth $15.
The researcher showed off his findings at this year's DEF CON security conference, held in Las Vegas last week.
The gun uses a simple locking system to prevent unauthorized firing. For someone to shoot the small pistol, he needs to wear a watch that sends an authorization token via radio signals to the gun and activates the trigger.
Armatix launched the IP1 smart gun in 2014 and marketed it as a way to prevent thieves or children from firing the gun. The IP1 is currently sold for prices varying from $1,400 to $1,800.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/technology/smart-pistol-locking-system-foiled-by-15-magnets/
(Score: 2) by LoRdTAW on Wednesday August 02 2017, @12:56PM
Problem is when you use a solenoid, you need a ferrous actuator. There are ways to build solenoids with a non magnetic metal by creating an opposing magnetic field in the metal using eddy currents from an oscillating electromagnet. You can repel non magnetic metal such as aluminum and perhaps even titanium, copper, non magnetic stainless steel, or brass.
They could go even further and use a mu-metal [wikipedia.org] to shield the solenoid to shunt any external magnetic fields to prevent this type of hack.