Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open and start their vehicle without the need for traditional metal keys. The technology is being exploited by thieves.
Thieves use simple devices available online to capture the signal sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to get away in a matter of seconds, open the car and start it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing by your car with a device that can capture the key fob's signal. When you pull the door handle the key fob sends a challenge that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device beams this response back to the key fob, fooling it into thinking the owner is nearby and unlocking the car. The criminal is then able to get inside, hit the start button and drive away. The entire process could take only a few minutes and involves no force entry.
This method, also referred to as"relay attack "relay attack", can be used with a variety of different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this kind of hacking possible can be easily bought online. This means that virtually all cars can be hacked.
The most well-known type of vehicle targeted is a high-end Range Rover, but any vehicle that has a keyless entry system is at risk. Remember that the criminals are not concerned with the car in itself, but rather the valuable items inside, such as electronic gadgets and cash.
One of the most effective ways to stop this type of theft is to avoid leaving any valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave them in a vehicle be sure that they're locked away in a glove box or trunk. You can also park your vehicle between a less coveted garage and your vehicle to discourage thieves, or utilize a steering wheel lock to stop the criminal from getting the engine started.
Trackers are a great investment if you're concerned about your luxury vehicle being targeted. It won't stop criminals from stealing your vehicle, however it can increase the chances of police being able to recover and return it.
This is not a new type of theft but the speed and ease at the way it can be carried out has raised concerns among car owners. It's a game of cat and mouse between security professionals and criminals and, as technology improves, so will criminal tactics. You can take a few easy measures to avoid car thefts with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use the key fob to start and lock your vehicle, the computer inside the vehicle receives a radio signal that informs it that your keys are in close proximity. Hackers have discovered ways to hack into the system to start the car without a key.
The thieves use devices that amplify the faint signal your fob transmits to the car when you attempt to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this message to the key transponder in the car, which transmits back a code that instructs the car to open doors or turn on the motor. The code is the same as the one you have on your key fob so the car believes it's coming from the key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, copy the blank key, and drive off with your vehicle. It's a fairly inexpensive process, too. These devices are small enough to fit into your pocket, and can be purchased online for around $3,000 or less. What can you do to protect yourself from these devices? Simple ways to protect yourself include placing your keys in a faraday cage or keeping them in the refrigerator when you are at home.
Other measures include hiding all electrical items and keeping valuables hidden when you are not in your vehicle. The most important thing to remember is to always be sure to lock your car. Even if you're only going away for a few moments.
According to research by Thatcham, keyless entry car theft is a growing problem. It's no wonder, given the number of cars being taken by smart thieves using advanced technology, at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a resourceful bunch and have come up with some clever ways to enter and take vehicles. The good news is that security experts are striving to keep up, so it's never been more simple to protect yourself from theft of keys.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated method that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. The device can be tucked in the pocket of the criminal or tucked away in the drive to prevent the car from being unlocked when the owner uses their key fob. This technique could be more popular in the near future even though there is no evidence to suggest that it is currently in use.
Hacking the car's software is a more dangerous method. This is why you should always make sure that your vehicle has the most up-to-date software updates. The thieves are able to log into the owner's app and start the vehicle from there without the need for a key fob. Consider having the keys reprogrammed when you recently bought a used vehicle.
You can also assist in preventing thieves by parking your vehicle in garages, if you can. This might not prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle however it will make their task much more difficult as they will need to find ways to gain access to the computer of the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last 7 digits on the headlights, windows and mirrors. This will make it more difficult for thieves to alter the vehicle's identity.
It's also worth installing an alarm system for security like the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These cameras can also be used as a smart video doorbell, and are an excellent option to monitor your car when it is parked outside. You can also consider the use of a security light with the cameras if you have a driveway. This will notify you of any activity in your driveway. This can deter thieves from trying to lift cars off the streets.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers are now replacing the physical key with a proximity key that transmits signals that can open and start your car. Criminals have developed technology that allows them to hack into these systems and steal cars without the fob or button on the keypad.
Researchers have devised a brand new theft technique that involves what they call an CAN attack, or controller network attack. The CAN bus system permits various parts of a car to communicate, and is the most sophisticated method of attack against cars that are keyless.
To attack a vehicle using an attack on the CAN-bus, thieves must be able to intercept signals from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port is designed to be used by professionals diagnostic tools, but it is accessible to thieves by inserting a specific cable into it. This allows thieves to read your computer's code that is in your car, which is what it uses to read more unlock and begin your vehicle.
Shlisel claims that it can take between 20 and 30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a car using a device available online for less than $100. The crook will then enter your vehicle and drive it off.
In the past, criminals have attempted to hack into vehicles through hijacking the radio signal that is used by the key fob of the car to communicate with the onboard system. The criminals employ devices to capture the signal then amplify it and transmit it to a different device to copy the key fob's encryption code. This enables the crooks unlock your car and then start it up, then it's a matter of taking off with the items inside.
As car security experts warn, the threat of keyless theft is growing as manufacturers outfit more models with the technology. Even if you don't possess a car with a keyless entry system you must be cautious, especially when parking in a public space. Experts advise that you park your car overnight in a garage, or at a minimum, somewhere that is secure, such as motion-detection lights and CCTV.
Apart from that the most effective thing you can do is to keep clutter of your vehicle, getting rid of valuables such as Sat navigation systems or mobile phones. Additionally, you should be sure to lock your car doors, and consider etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number on your car's headlights or windows.