Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many modern cars have keyless entry systems that allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without the requirement for traditional keys made of metal. However, thieves are taking advantage of the technology.
The thieves employ simple tools that are accessible online to capture signals that are sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it up and leave in a matter of seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal could simply sit by your vehicle and employ a device to intercept the signal from the key fob. The key fob sends a signal to the criminal's device that informs it of the response. The criminal then can enter the vehicle and press the starter button, and leave the vehicle. The entire process can be completed in a matter of minutes, and there is no need to force entry.
This method, also known as a "relay attack", can be used with a variety of different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible can be easily bought online. This means that almost all vehicles are vulnerable.
The most frequently targeted type of vehicle targeted is a luxury Range Rover, but any keyless entry car is at risk. Be aware that criminals aren't focused on the car itself, but the valuable things inside such as electronic gadgets and cash.
One of the best ways to prevent this type of theft is by not leaving any valuables in your car. If you are required to put them in a vehicle, make sure they're secured in a glove box or trunk. You could also consider parking your vehicle between a less sought-after vehicle and your garage to discourage thieves, or utilize a steering wheel lock to prevent the thief from starting the engine.
If you're concerned about a expensive vehicle being targeted then it might be worth taking a look at an alarm. This won't stop a criminal from stealing your car, however it can increase the odds of the police being able recover and return it.
Although this isn't a brand new method of theft however the possibility of it being accomplished so quickly and easily has caused a lot of concern amongst car owners. It's a game of cat-and-mouse between security professionals and criminals and, as technology improves and criminal strategies evolve, so do the tactics. Fortunately, you can take some easy steps to avoid car theft with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use the key fob to open and lock your vehicle, the computer inside the vehicle receives a radio signal which informs it that your keys are in close proximity. But criminals have discovered ways to hack this system which can let them start the car without having to hold the key in their hand.
The thieves use devices that amplify the faint signal that your fob sends the car every time you attempt to unlock it or start it. They then relay that message to the car's key transponder, which then sends back an encryption code that tells it whether to open the doors or start the engine. This code is the same as the one you've got on your key fob, which means the car believes it's a valid signal from your key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, clone the blank key and then drive off with your vehicle. It's also a very affordable procedure. These devices are small enough to slip into a pocket, and can be purchased on the internet for $3,000 or less. website What can you do to protect yourself from these devices? Simple defenses include putting your keys in a faraday cage, or leaving them in the refrigerator when you're at home.
Other methods include making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on the front and rear windows as well as making sure that all electrical items are concealed, and keeping valuables away from view when you're not in your vehicle. The most important thing is to ensure that you make sure to lock your car even if it's just for a few minutes.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts involving keyless entry are increasing. It's not a surprise that the number of vehicles burgled by sophisticated thieves employing advanced technology is at an all-time peak.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a resourceful bunch, and they've come up with clever ways to enter and steal vehicles. It's a good thing to be aware that security experts are at work to keep pace and make it easier than ever to protect yourself from theft via keyless keys.
One of the more sophisticated techniques involves a gadget known as a signal jammer which emits at the same frequency as your key fob. The device can be put in the pocket of the thief or tucked away in the drive to prevent the car from being locked when the owner is using their key fob. While there's no evidence this method is used widely in the present however, it may become more common in the future.
Hacking the car's software is a more sinister trick. This is why you must ensure that your car has the most recent software updates. The thieves can connect to the app of the owner and start the vehicle from there without the necessity of a key fob. It is worth reprogramming the keys if you recently purchased an used car.
If you can, you can also stop thieves from entering garages. Although this won't prevent them from stealing the vehicle, it will make their job a lot more difficult since they'll have to find a way to access the car's computer. It's also worth thinking about etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the mirrors, windows, and headlights, since this will make it much more difficult for anyone to alter the identity of the vehicle in the future.
Finally, it's worth considering installing a security camera, like those from the likes of Ring, Amazon Blink and Google Nest. These cameras can also be utilized as a smart video-doorbell and are a great option to monitor your car when it is in a parking space outside. It is also possible to consider the use of a security light with the cameras in the event that you have driveway. This will alert you if there is any movement in your driveway, and deter thieves who attempt to steal cars from the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers are now replacing the physical key with a proximity key that allows you to open and start your car. But criminals have created technology to hack into these systems which allows them to steal cars without using the fob or even a button on the key pad.
The latest theft method is using what's known as the CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus system allows different parts of a car to communicate and is the most sophisticated way to attack against vehicles that do not have keys.
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 for the use of professional diagnostic tools, however it is accessible to thieves by inserting a special cable into it. This allows thieves to access the computer code used to unlock and start the car.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds to duplicate the vehicle's signal with a device available online for less than 100 dollars, Shlisel says. After that, the criminal can simply walk into your vehicle and drive away.
In the past, criminals have attempted to hack into vehicles by stealing the radio signal that is used by the key fob in the car to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks employ devices that detect the signal, amplify it, and transmit it to another device to clone the key fob's cryptographic codes. This allows the crooks to unlock your car and then start it up, then it's a matter of taking off with the items inside the.
Experts in car security warn that the risk of theft via keyless locks increases as more vehicles are fitted 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 that is secure such as motion detection lights and CCTV.
You should also take away valuables from your vehicle, including mobile phones or Sat Navs. It is also recommended to secure your car's doors and think about engraving the last seven digits on your vehicle identification number onto your windows or headlights.