Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many modern cars have keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their car without the requirement for traditional keys made of metal. The technology is being used by thieves.
Thieves use simple devices available online to capture the signal sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to drive away in a matter of seconds, then open the car and begin it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing near your car, using the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. The key fob transmits an indication to the device of the criminal that sends it the signal. The criminal then can jump into the car and press the starter button, and drive away. The entire process could take just minutes and involves no force entry.
This method is referred to as a relay attack, and it can be utilized on many different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this kind of hack possible is cheap and easy to buy online. This means that almost all vehicles are vulnerable.
The most popular kind of car targeted is a premium Range Rover, but any vehicle that has a keyless entry system is at risk. Remember that the criminals are not focused on the car in itself, but rather the valuable things inside such as cash and electronic gadgets.
The best way to avoid this type of theft is to never leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you are required to leave them in a vehicle, make sure they're stored in a safe box or trunk. You could also try parking your vehicle between a less coveted vehicle and your garage to deter thieves. You can also utilize a steering wheel lock to stop the criminal from getting the engine started.
If you're concerned about a high-end vehicle being targeted, it's worth looking into an alarm. It won't stop criminals from stealing a car however it will increase the odds that police will recover it and return it.
While this isn't a new form of theft, the fact that it can be done so quickly and easily has raised alarm among motorists. It's a game of cat-and-mouse between security professionals and criminals and, as technology advances and criminal strategies evolve, so do the tactics. Luckily, you can take some easy steps to avoid car theft by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use the key fob to open and lock your vehicle, the computer inside the vehicle receives a radio alert which informs it that your keys are close by. But criminals have discovered ways to hack this system which allows them to start the car without having to hold the key in their hands.
To do this, criminals have been using devices that amplify the normally faint message your fob sends to the car to let it know that you're trying to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this signal to the key transponder of the car, and it sends back a code telling the car to open doors or start the motor. This code is similar to the one you have on your key fob, which is why the car is convinced that it's coming from the key fob.
The thief will then take this code, copy the blank key and then drive off with your vehicle. It's an inexpensive method also. These devices are small enough to slip into your pocket and are available on the internet for around $3,000 or less. So, how do you defend yourself from the dangers of these devices? Simple defences include placing your keys in a faraday enclosure or placing them in the refrigerator when you're at home.
Other options include putting all electrical devices in a safe place and keeping valuables hidden when you're not in your vehicle. But perhaps the most important thing is to ensure that you make sure to lock your car even if it's just for a couple of minutes.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, keyless entry vehicle theft is on the rise. It's no wonder, with the number of vehicles being stolen by savvy thieves using advanced technology, at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a savvy group, and they've come up with some clever ways to enter and steal vehicles. The good news is that security experts are striving to keep up, so it's never been more simple to protect yourself from keyless theft.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated method that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. This can be sat in the thief's pocket or hidden somewhere in the drive. It also stops the car from unlocking when the owner has the key fob. This technique could become more popular in the future, even though there isn't any evidence to suggest that it is currently widely used.
Hacking the car's software is another more sinister trick. This is why you should ensure that your car is running the latest software updates. The thieves could log into the owner's app and then start the car from there, without the requirement for an ignition key. You should consider having your keys reprogrammed if you recently purchased an used car.
If you are able, you could also discourage thieves by parking in a garage. While this might not stop them from stealing the vehicle, it will make their job much harder as they'll need to find a way to access the car's computer. Consider writing the VIN's last seven digits on the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it difficult for thieves to change the vehicle's identity.
Also, you should consider installing a security camera, like those from the likes of Ring, Amazon Blink and Google Nest. These cameras can also be used as a smart video doorbell, and are an excellent method of monitoring your vehicle when it is in a parking space outside. If you have a driveway, you can even look into a security floodlight which is compatible with these cameras. This will notify you of any activity in your driveway. This can stop thieves from trying to lift cars off of the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers have replaced the traditional key with a proximity key that transmits an electronic click here signal that can be used to start and unlock your car. Criminals have developed technology that enables them to hack these systems and steal vehicles without fobs or a button on the keypad.
Researchers have come up with a novel theft technique that involves what they call a CAN attack, or controller network attack. The CAN bus system permits various parts of a car to communicate, and is the most sophisticated way to attack against cars that are keyless.
To attack a vehicle using a CAN-bus attack, criminals must be able to intercept signals from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port was designed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves can access it by inserting a cable. This allows thieves to read the computer's code in your car that it uses to unlock and begin your vehicle.
Shlisel claims that it could take between 20 and 30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a car using an online device that costs less than $100. The criminal will then get into your vehicle and then drive it away.
In the past, criminals have hacked into vehicles through hijacking the radio signal that is used by the car's key fob to communicate with the onboard system. The criminals employ devices to capture the signal, amplify it, and then transmit it to another device to copy the key fob's encryption code. The crook can then unlock your car, turn it on and leave with the contents.
As experts in car security warn, the risk of theft via keyless locks is growing as more vehicles are equipped with the technology. However, even if you do not possess a car with a keyless entry system it is important to be aware, especially when parking in a public space. Experts advise parking your car in a garage for a night or at a place that offers good home security - such as CCTV or motion-detection lighting.
In addition the best option is to keep a clear of your car - taking away valuable items such as Sat Navs or mobile phones. Additionally, you should be sure you lock your car doors, and you may want to etch the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number onto your headlights or windows.