The growing sophistication of vehicle theft has put aftermarket diagnostic scan tools under increased scrutiny, with industry leaders urging repair shops and tool manufacturers to strengthen safeguards before regulators step in.

Donny Seyfer, chairman of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), says the issue is far from new. 

However, recent high-profile investigations in the United States—where law enforcement publicly identified scan tool brands used by organized auto theft rings—have brought renewed attention to a problem that affects both Canada and the U.S.

“This is an international problem,” Seyfer said, noting that North America’s large vehicle population and the global demand for SUVs and pickup trucks make the region a prime target for organized theft.

While criminals have increasingly exploited aftermarket scan tools to program keys or reset immobilizers, Seyfer stressed that the solution is not restricting legitimate repair access. Instead, NASTF has worked with aftermarket tool manufacturers to implement its Secure Data Release Model (SDRM), which verifies the identity of technicians performing security-related procedures.

The goal is simple: create the same level of accountability already required when using OEM diagnostic systems.

“We needed a way to differentiate between the bad guy using the tool and the good guy using the tool,” Seyfer explained.

Under the Vehicle Security Professional (VSP) program, security credentials are issued to qualified individuals—not shops—creating a digital record whenever protected functions are performed. That transparency can help law enforcement investigate stolen vehicles while protecting legitimate repair businesses.

Seyfer emphasized that most repair shops perform key programming or immobilizer work infrequently, making it unnecessary for every employee to hold VSP credentials. Instead, shops should designate trained technicians to handle security-related procedures while owners manage user accounts and permissions. 

The system has also become easier to use. A new mobile app allows technicians to scan a vehicle’s VIN directly into the authorization process, reducing paperwork and minimizing errors. Future updates are expected to streamline the process even further.

Despite concerns from some technicians about additional administrative work, Seyfer argues the burden is minimal compared with the potential consequences of inaction.

Several aftermarket scan tool manufacturers, including Launch Tech, XTool, and Autel, have implemented or are rolling out SDRM integration, while others are expected to follow. Seyfer warns that widespread industry adoption is essential. Without effective self-regulation, governments could eventually restrict access to aftermarket security functions altogether, forcing shops to rely solely on OEM tools.

“The goal isn’t to make life harder for repairers,” Seyfer said. “It’s to keep these powerful tools in the hands of legitimate professionals while making them far less useful to criminals.”

For more information on NASFT, SDRM, and VSP, visit https://support.nastf.org/support/home

To hear more from Donny on this topic, listen to the full episode of the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast below.