Warning

[Radar Roy]

We have been notified of a user posting source code for the "Radar Detector Tools" program that violates Escorts EULA agreement and copywrite infringement.

This is not a "hacking forum" and these type of postings are not allowed. Anyone that posts such messages will be banned from the forum.

[CJR238]

That’s a big NO, NO. its good to share info but some things are just supposed to be private.

[Lucky225]

Man I already warned that kid about DMCA

[Hunter]

That should not be posted here..

[FlyinZX-10R]

Is there a way that you can force new users to read and agree to all the rules before they are allowed to post. I don't mean a single check mark for all the rules, but an individual check mark for each rule.

Also maybe something that forces them to see the links to some of the more important stickies, like the "which detector should I get?" question that we see every other day. it might cut down on all the repetitive posts.

[MEM-TEK]

Hi everyone,

I totally agree! A good while back I had a long customer service chat with one of Escort's reps. This was a major concern for both me and Escort since I realized the importance and gravity of the possibility that Bel/Escort's very highly proprietary firmware could be deciphered and publicly disclosed. Here is the deal:

-- Radar detector firmware for all radar detector manufacturers is very highly proprietary stuff. At least half of a radar detector's performance characteristics is based on the firmware.

-- The RD firmware presently is flashed into chips which encrypt the data and prevent the possibility of reading out the firmware unless a special access code is used. This has proven to be a safe technology for the radar detector manufacturers to use.

-- The question arose regarding how Escort can safely transfer new firmware code from Escort, into an Escort product owner's computer, and then into the radar detector while assuring that the firmware code wouldn't be intercepted or hacked. I had no answer since I am not an expert software programmer.

I don't know how Escort resolved these issues, but obviously they implemented steps to hopefully assure that any firmware flashes only get downloaded by the user just once without requiring contacting Escort if there was a problem, and that Escort keeps careful track of users who download and flash updates to their radar detector products.

So, basically, the mere fact that the 9500ci and 9500ix radar detectors can be updated via the Internet is a blessing which must not be abused or this feature will be gone in a heartbeat.

I highly recommend that all of us be very diligent in reporting any hackers who try to disclose any of Bel/Escort firmware or who try hack attempts to either get the firmware or hack Escort's software update program. This is the only way that we can be reasonably assured that Escort can and will continue to provide Internet upgrade capabilities in the future.
We at present have a darned good thing regarding the ability to update our 9500ix and 9500ci radar detector products. Any expert programmers and hackers who find security issues, I am sure that Escort would love to hear from you as long as you do not publicly disclose your findings.

[Stealth Stalker]

Not that I disagree or anything, but it's interesting to see people at a forum devoted solely to the purpose of illegal activity and "sticking it to the man" draw the line at proprietary hacking.

[MEM-TEK]

Not that I disagree or anything, but it's interesting to see people at a forum devoted solely to the purpose of illegal activity and "sticking it to the man" draw the line at proprietary hacking.

I would hardly say that this forum is devoted solely to the purpose of illegal activity of any kind. I use my radar detectors for driving entertainment and to keep me much more aware of my driving habits. Yet I hate hackers and cyber-thieves with a passion.

[fire65]

I don't use it totally for illegal activities, and if caught I only hurt myself. Hacking is a crime against others. Still a hanging offense in Oklahoma. lol

[Lucky225]

I would hardly say that this forum is devoted solely to the purpose of illegal activity of any kind. I use my radar detectors for driving entertainment and to keep me much more aware of my driving habits. Yet I hate hackers and cyber-thieves with a passion.

Hackers aren't bad, in fact a lot of us have the same perspectives as RD users. Obviously Escort has to make money, but open source software for the 9500ci wouldn't be too bad, the community could contribute their own database and upgrade patches, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I agree posting the source of Escort's own software was entirely irresponsible, but to a hacker, looking at the source yourself and building upon it to make something better is really probably all the poster was trying to achieve, not subscription fraud or anything.