Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many newer cars feature keyless entry systems that allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without the need for traditional keys made of metal. The technology is being used by thieves.
The thieves make use of simple tools that are available online to capture signals sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to drive away in seconds, unlock the car and start it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal could simply stand by your car and employ a device that can capture the signal of the key fob. The key fob sends an alert to the device of the criminal that tells it the response. The criminal can then enter, press the start button, and drive away. The entire process could take just minutes and involves no need for force entry.
This technique is referred to as a relay attack and it is a possibility on a variety of different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible can be easily purchased online. This means that nearly all cars can be hacked.
The most popular type of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is the premium Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless entry is also at risk. It's important to remember that criminals aren't necessarily interested in the vehicle itself, but instead the valuable items like electronic devices and cash inside.
The best way to avoid this kind of theft is to not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you have to leave them in your car, secure them in the glove box or trunk. You could also park your car between a less appealing vehicle and your garage to deter thieves. You can also use a steering-wheel lock to prevent the criminals from getting the engine started.
Trackers are a great investment if you're concerned about your luxury car being targeted. It won't stop criminals from stealing your car but it will increase the odds of the police being able find and return it.
This is not an original type of theft, but the speed and ease with the speed at which it can be done has caused a lot of concern among motorists. It's a game between security professionals and criminals and, as technology improves and criminal strategies evolve, so do the tactics. Fortunately you can take simple steps to prevent car theft by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to lock and start the car, it sends an electronic signal to the computer in the car which informs it that your keys are close by. Hackers have discovered ways to hack the system to start the car without keys.
To do this, criminals have been using devices that amplify the typically faint message that your fob sends to the car to let it know that you're trying to open the doors or start it. They then relay that message to the key transponder of the car and it then transmits an encryption code that informs it to open the doors or start the engine. This code is similar to the one you have on your key fob, which is why the car believes it's coming from your key fob.
Then, the thief can use that code to copy it onto a blank key and then leave with your vehicle. It's a fairly inexpensive process also. These devices are small enough to slide into your pocket, and can be purchased online for around $3,000 or less. So, how do you safeguard yourself from the threat of these devices? Simple ways to protect yourself include placing your keys in a faraday enclosure or placing them in the refrigerator when you are at home.
Other options include hiding all electrical items and keeping valuables out of sight even when you're not in your car. The most important thing to do is ensure that you ensure that you lock your car, even if only for a short time.
According to research by Thatcham, keyless entry vehicle theft is becoming a major issue. It's not surprising that the amount of cars stolen by sophisticated thieves using the latest technologies is at a record high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a resourceful bunch, and they've come up with clever ways to get in and take vehicles. It's a good thing to be aware that security experts are at work to keep up with the times and make it easier than ever to protect yourself from theft via keyless keys.
One of the more sophisticated tricks involves a device known as a signal jammer that emits the same frequency as your key fob. This device can be placed in the pocket of the thief or tucked away in the driveway to prevent the car from being locked when the owner is using their key fob. This method could be more popular in the future, even though there is no evidence to suggest that it is currently used widely.
Hacking the car's software is another more dangerous technique. This is why you should make sure that your vehicle has the most recent software updates. Thieves are able to log into the owner's app and start the car from there, without the need for a key fob. It is worth reprogramming the keys in the event that you recently bought an used car.
You can also assist in preventing thieves by parking your vehicle in garages, if it is possible. It's not going to stop thieves from stealing your car, but it will make their task more difficult, as they will have to find a means to access the computer in the vehicle. It's also worth thinking about etching the last seven digits of your VIN onto the mirrors, windows, and headlights, as this will make it much more difficult for anyone to alter the identity of the vehicle in the future.
It's also worthwhile to consider installing an alarm system that is secure such as those available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These cameras can be utilized as a smart video-doorbell, and are an excellent way to monitor your vehicle when it is in a parking space outside. You can also consider a security light that works with the cameras if you have an outdoor driveway. This will alert you to any activity in your driveway. This will help deter thieves from trying to take cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers now replace the physical key with a proximity key which can be used to open and start your car. Criminals have developed technology that allows them to hack these systems and steal cars that do not have fobs or button on the keypad.
Researchers have devised a brand new theft method that uses what they click here call an CAN attack, also known as a controller network attack. The CAN bus system allows different components of a vehicle to communicate and is the most sophisticated way to attack against keyless cars.
To target a vehicle with an attack on the CAN-bus, thieves must be able to intercept signals from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port is specifically designed to be used by professionals diagnostic tools, however it is also accessible to criminals by putting a special cable into it. This allows thieves to read your computer's code that is in your car which it uses to unlock and begin your vehicle.
Shlisel claims it will take between 20 and 30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a vehicle using the device, which is available online for less than $100. After that, the criminal can simply enter your car and drive away.
Criminals have in the past in the past hacked into cars using hijacked radio signals that are used by the key fob of the vehicle to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks use devices to capture the signal and amplify it, transmit it to another device to duplicate the key fob's encryption code. The crook is then able to unlock your car, start it and take off 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. Even if your car is not keyless, you should still be cautious, especially when you park it in a public place. Experts advise that you park your car overnight in a garage or at a minimum, somewhere that is secure like motion detection lights and CCTV.
You should also take away valuables from your vehicle, such as mobile phones or Sat Navs. It is also recommended to secure your car's doors and consider engraving the last seven digits on your vehicle identification number onto your windows or headlights.