Abstract: In a system for preventing automobile theft, select automotive components are embedded with digital information and devices, including a unique public key, a unique private key, a decryption/encryption module, and a network address. Upon assembly of a vehicle, the components form addressable nodes of that vehicle. Relevant digital information of all components is recorded in a proprietary, highly secure data base at the time of manufacture, and updated for vehicular repairs. Only registered agents may access the data base or submit updates to the federal network. During refueling or re-charging of a vehicle, a digital handshake compares public keys of the vehicular components to the proprietary data base, and confirms the integrity of at least some components by a public-key/private-key challenge and response.