If you own a Tom Tom GPS device, by now you've plugged it into your computer to update it with the latest maps and voices. You probably also noticed that you can access Tom Tom like you would an external data storage device.
You can find the images that pop up when you first turn on your Tom Tom and edit them to show your ID photo and phone number, in case some idiot steals it. Then the idiot will have no choice but to see your smiling face every time he turns it on.
But that's not enough is it? No, you want your Tom Tom to accept only the IP address of your personal computer for updates, and to wreak havoc on any other computer that some thief tries to use to update the maps.
Actually, when you bring home your GPS, you must hook it up to your computer, register the device and open an online account with the company, just to be able to update the maps or download voices.
So the moron who stole the GPS out of the truck (Reported in the State Journal-Register) will never be able to update it, never be able to pawn it, or sell it to someone else.
That GPS is one hell of a hot potato. If you steal one of those, you not only completely wasted your time, you ruined your future.
Cool idea overall, but the comment about TomTom only accepting the IP address for your computer doesn't work that way. The IP address is the network address assigned, usually dynamically by the Internet service provider, if you're connected directly to the Internet (not a good idea), or, if you're behind a local router, it's assigned, usually in the 192.168.x.x block by your router using DHCP. From the outside world, all your computers connected to the router look like they have the same ISP assigned IP address.
ReplyDeleteA more unique identifier would be the MAC address of the network adapter, since that's hard coded. I'm not sure what operating system TomTom runs, but I think it's a pared down version of Linux. Cool that you can program it to wreak havoc.
Anyway, Having your picture and phone number would help a lot. Did you get it back yet?
Hugo
Hmmm... Instead of using the I.P. Address it should look for the software installed on the computer, specifically some registration information stored in the program that updates the device via the internet. I still have my device.
ReplyDelete