Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open and start their car without the need for traditional metal keys. However criminals are taking advantage of this technology.
Thieves are using a simple device that can be found online to capture the signal sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it up and drive off in minutes.
The Relay Attack
A criminal may simply sit by your vehicle and employ a device to intercept the signal from the key fob. The key fob transmits a signal to the device used by the criminal, which informs it of the response. The criminal then has the option to enter, press the start button, and drive away. The entire process can take only a few minutes and involves no forced entry.
This technique, known as"relay attack "relay attack" is a method that can be utilized with a variety of models. The good news is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible is cheap and readily available on the internet. This means that nearly every car can be hacked.
The most frequently targeted type of vehicle targeted is a high-end Range Rover, but any keyless entry car is at risk. Remember that the criminals are not concerned with the car in itself, but rather the valuable things inside such as cash and electronic gadgets.
One of the most effective ways to prevent this type of theft is to avoid leaving any valuables in your car. If you have to leave them in the car, put them in a lock in the trunk or glove box. You could also try parking your car between a less sought-after garage and your vehicle to deter thieves. You can also use a lock for your steering wheel to stop the criminal from beginning the engine.
Trackers are a good option if you're worried about your expensive car being targeted. This won't stop a criminal from stealing your car however it can increase the likelihood of the police being able recover and return it.
Although this isn't a brand new type of theft but the fact that it can be done so swiftly and easily has caused a lot of concern amongst motorists. It's a cat-and-mouse game between security professionals and thieves and as technology advances, so too will the methods used by criminals. Fortunately, you can take some easy steps to avoid car theft with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use your key fob to lock and start the vehicle, it sends an audio signal to the computer in the car that lets it know your keys are close by. Hackers have found ways to hack into the system and start the car without a key.
To do this, thieves have been using devices that amplify the typically faint message your fob sends to the car to inform it that you're trying to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this message to the key transponder in the car, which transmits back a code that tells the car to open doors or turn on the motor. This code is identical as the one that's on your key fob, therefore the car is convinced that it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
Then, the thief can copy that code, transfer it onto a blank key, and then leave with your car. It's also a very affordable procedure. These devices can be bought online for less than $3,000 and are small enough to be stuffed into pockets. How can you protect yourself from these devices? Some simple defences include putting your keys in a Faraday cage or even putting them in the fridge while you're at home.
Other methods include etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the windows on the rear and front, making sure all electrical devices are covered, more info and keeping valuables away from view when you're not in your car. The most important thing to do is ensure that you make sure to lock your car even if it's only for a few minutes.
According to research by Thatcham, keyless entry vehicle theft is on the rise. It's not surprising that the number of cars stolen by sophisticated thieves using advanced technologies is at an all-time record high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a resourceful group and have come up with some clever ways to get in and take vehicles. It's a good thing to be aware that security experts are constantly working to keep pace and make it easier than ever to protect yourself against keyless theft.
One of the more sophisticated methods involves a device called a signal jammer, which emits at the same frequency as your key fob. It can be put in the pocket of the thief or hidden in the drive. It stops the car from unlocking when the owner has the key fob. This method may become more popular in the near future even though there is no evidence to suggest it is currently in use.
Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the car's system This is why it's essential to ensure your car has the most recent software updates. Thieves can then log into the owner's app and begin to start the car there, without the need for a key fob in any way. Consider having the keys reprogrammed when you recently bought an used car.
If you can, you can also stop thieves from entering a garage. It's not going to stop thieves from stealing your car however it will make their job more difficult, as they'll need ways to gain access to the computer of the vehicle. You could consider etching the VIN's last seven digits onto the windows, headlights, and mirrors. This will make it difficult for thieves to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It's also a good idea to install an alarm system for security such as those available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These cameras can be utilized as a smart video-doorbell and are a great way to monitor your vehicle when it is in a parking space outside. If you have a driveway, you can even look into a security floodlight which integrates with these cameras. This will alert you to any activity in your driveway. This will help discourage thieves from trying to lift cars off the streets.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers have replaced the traditional key with a proximity key that transmits signals and can begin and open your car. But criminals have created technology to hack into those systems which allows them to steal cars without using the fob or the button on the keypad.
Researchers have come up with a novel method of theft that is based on what they call a CAN attack, also known as a controller network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows different components of the vehicle to communicate with each the other, and it's the most sophisticated security threat to keys-less vehicles.
To target a vehicle with a CAN-bus attack, criminals must intercept the signals coming from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port was designed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, criminals can access it by inserting an unprotected cable. This allows thieves to read the computer's code that is in your car which it is used to unlock and start your car.
Shlisel claims that it can take between 20-30 seconds to replicate the signal of a car using the device, which is available online for less than $100. The crook will then enter your vehicle and then drive it away.
In the past, criminals have hacked into vehicles by hijacking the radio signal that is used by the car's key fob to communicate with the onboard system. These crooks use devices that can take the signal then amplify it and transmit it to another device to copy the key fob's cryptographic codes. That enables the crook to unlock your car and then start it up, then it's as simple as driving off with whatever is inside.
Experts in car security warn that the danger of theft via keyless locks increases because more cars are equipped with the technology. Even if you don't have a keyless-entered vehicle you must be cautious especially when parking in a public area. Experts recommend that you park your car overnight in a garage, or at least somewhere with a good security system like motion detection lights and CCTV.
In addition the most effective option is to keep clutter out of your vehicle - removing valuables like Sat GPS units or mobile phones. In addition, you must make sure that you lock your car doors, and consider etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identity Number onto your headlights or windows.