News: TomTom map security hacked!!! Options

[Rob Ot]

Posted News:

TomTom map security hacked!!!

First the security of TomTom's maps for PDA was hacked, and now the same is a fact with the PNDs maps.

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The yourNAV team

[Perception]

Well, that was going to happen sooner or later...

[Lee Sainsbury]

Of course we immediately asked TomTom for a reaction. They are currently working on an official statement which we will publish here as soon as we receive it.

...in 7 months - thats how long they take to do anything...

[blackpool1974]

Next question, whats the file called !!!

FAO: TOMTOM POLICE, ONLY JOKING

This post has been edited by blackpool1974: Dec 14 2006, 18:47

[lucifer the dark]

Typical! I've just caved in & bought the updated maps only to find out I could have got them for free, I'm kidding....before anyone starts shouting for my head ;)

[shauneco]

Suprised it took this long,
Will they make an update via TomTom Home that validate's you product code "This Map Is Not Genuine" "Invalid Product Key". I wonder?

[eldar]

"It's has been more or less public knowledge for years that the maps which TomTom supplies with it's Navigator software for PDAs can be easily exchanged among users."

This is not entirely correct (or rather not clearly explained :-) ) - executable files for TTN5 and 6 have been hacked, not the maps. After the substitution of the original for the cracked version you can use any maps you like.
The same piece of software (or a variation of this software) for PNDs that you are talking about can be used to produce the activation codes for Windows Mobile, Palm or Symbian devices, in fact it is almost a universal code generator. It doesn't work with some maps though.

[eldar]

Next question, whats the file called !!!

FAO: TOMTOM POLICE, ONLY JOKING

test.exe
FAO: TOMTOM POLICE, NOT JOKING AT ALL :-)

[oldfogy]

Especially after all the recent controversy with regards to the so called "New Maps" I can imagine a lot of people will be looking for this crack.

If for no other reason but to be able to "Test before they buy" as do a lot of people with a fair bit of branded software already.

[blackpool1974]

I dont think It works on new maps 6.60 ones, I think tomtom knew about this hack for a while so changed the logarithm.

[daadoodoo]

blackpool1974, your imagination is way tooo wide =) The key generator does indeed work on new maps. You just need to check other forums and see how people comment on this.

What surprises me is the fact that it took so long for someone to release something like this. After all, creating a keygen could be a rather complex task, but modding the software not to check for licenses should be much easier (it's how it was/is done for pda soft).

I'm sure tomtom is well thinking about a solution for this, but whatever they do, they'd better be aware that some of us already _bought_ maps, and new software should be compatible with our licenses/maps and our activation codes. I hope they don't forget that.

[oldfogy]

I dont think It works on new maps 6.60 ones, I think tomtom knew about this hack for a while so changed the logarithm.

I don't think the version would really matter too much if it was just being "evaluated"

How often do we hear people saying that a particular area (possibly in a rural part of Spain, Poland or Hungary) was not covered, or as good as useless.
An expensive purchase if that was the main factor in buying a particular map.

[Meestar]

Well whilst I would never condone software piracy, this would be far less likely to happen if map upgrades were "affordable" - having spent a large amount of money on the device in the first place, I resent having to pay £35 or so for the update, when a new paper atlas of the UK would cost me £3.99. If the updates were say £5 - £10, then I bet most users would update, probably generating greater revenue and the piracy would be far less likely to happen! Then everyone's a winner!

[daadoodoo]

I'd suggest an annual fee. Why limit the license to a single map? I think most people would agree on paying annual fee for unlimited map updates. I'd also point out that the first update should _always_ be free. Most devices you can buy out there already got out-of-date maps, so you end up needing to pay for an update as soon as you buy the device... not very nice

[MikeM]

fwiw I feel little sympathy for TomTom. They have messed people around for more than a year about map upgrades, new maps etc. etc. Now they issue maps that cover less yet have a significant cost.

If this 'crack' encourages them to value existing customers more and treat them (us) as customers then imo it will be worth it ;) Though sadly I can't myself see why it would...................

Mike

This post has been edited by MikeM: Dec 15 2006, 16:00

[soweezy]

with all the spoof email/news stories doing the rounds at the moment I figured I'd look into this and, for something that so widely available, it's pretty dam hard to find

so... does it really exist or is this just another spoof ?

[lucifer the dark]

with all the spoof email/news stories doing the rounds at the moment I figured I'd look into this and, for something that so widely available, it's pretty dam hard to find

so... does it really exist or is this just another spoof ?

It's really easy to find if you know where to look, I still paid for the new uk map though. & it DOES NOT work with the latest maps.

This post has been edited by lucifer the dark: Dec 15 2006, 21:35

[soweezy]

that's always been my problem... can't see without my dog

[oldfogy]

& it DOES NOT work with the latest maps.

True but then as I said earlier, you could still use it try out other regions before you buy them, at least that way if it's what you wanted okay,
if not your pocket is none the lighter?
as said, if you know where to look....

[daadoodoo]

I still paid for the new uk map though. & it DOES NOT work with the latest maps.

Then the one you found must be different to the one I found. I gave it a try on the v660.1219 european map, and seems to work (even if I have no need for it, as I have a 910), and same for other single country maps such as spanish one. Maybe it's only on the uk version that doesn't work?