Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many modern cars have keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open and start their vehicle without the requirement for traditional keys made of metal. However, thieves are taking advantage of this technology.
Thieves use simple devices 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, and take off in just a few just a few seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal could simply sit by your car and use a device to capture the signal sent by the key fob. When you pull the door handle the key fob broadcasts an alert that asks "are you the owner of this car?" The criminal's device beams this response back to the key fob, tricking it into thinking the owner is in the vicinity and unlocking the car. The criminal can then jump into the car and press the starter button, and leave the vehicle. The entire process can be completed in less than minutes, and there is no need to force entry.
This method is referred to as a relay attack and it can be utilized on many different models. The good news is that the technology that makes this kind of hack possible can be easily purchased online. This means that virtually all cars can be hacked.
The most frequent type of vehicle targeted by criminals is a premium Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless access is also at risk. Be aware that criminals aren't concerned with the car itself, but the valuable things inside such as cash and electronic gadgets.
One of the best ways to stop this type of theft is by not leaving valuables in your vehicle. If you have to leave them in the car, secure them in the trunk or glove box. You could also consider parking your vehicle between a less popular garage and your vehicle to discourage thieves, or use a lock for your steering wheel to stop the criminal from getting the engine started.
Trackers are an excellent option if you're worried about your luxury car being targeted. It won't stop criminals from stealing your vehicle, but it will increase the likelihood of police being able to find and return it.
This isn't an original type of theft, but the ease and speed with the way it can be carried out has caused a lot of concern among car owners. It's a game of cat-and-mouse between security professionals and criminals and, as technology improves as does criminality, so will the tactics used. Luckily, you can take some simple steps to stop car theft using 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 message that informs it that your keys are close by. Hackers have discovered ways to hack the system to start the car without a key.
The thieves employ devices that amplify the faint signal your fob transmits to the car when you try to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this message to the key transponder of the car, which transmits back a code telling the car whether to open doors or turn on the motor. This code is the same as the one that's on your key fob, so the car is convinced that it's a valid signal from your key fob.
The thief will then take this code, copy the blank key and then steal your vehicle. It's a relatively cheap process as well. These devices can be purchased on the internet for less than $3,000 and are small enough to be stuffed into a pocket. How can you safeguard 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 making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on the windows in the rear and front, making sure all electrical items are hidden and keeping valuables away from view when not in your vehicle. But perhaps the most important thing is to ensure that you ensure that you lock your car, even if it's only for a couple of minutes.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are increasing. It's no wonder, with the number of vehicles being taken by smart thieves using the latest technology at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are resourceful and have come up with some clever ways to steal cars. It's a good thing to be aware that security experts are constantly working to keep up making it more secure than ever to defend yourself from theft via keyless keys.
One of the most sophisticated methods involves a device known as a signal jammer which emits at the same frequency as your key fob. This device can be placed in the pocket of the burglar or tucked away in the driveway to prevent the car from being unlocked by the owner who uses their key fob. This method may be more popular in the coming years, even though there's no evidence that it is currently used widely.
Hacking the car's software is yet another more dangerous method. This is why you should always make sure that your vehicle has the most recent software updates. Thieves are able to log into the owner's app and begin to start the car from there without needing the key fob in any way. You should consider having your keys reprogrammed in the event that you recently bought an used car.
If possible, you can also deter thieves by parking in garages. This might not stop thieves from stealing your vehicle, but it will make their task more difficult, as they'll need ways to gain access to the computer in the vehicle. It's also worth considering etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the mirrors, windows, and headlights. This makes it harder for anyone to alter the identity of the vehicle in the future.
It's also a good idea to install an alarm system that is secure, such as the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These can also double up as a smart video doorbell, and can be a great tool to monitor your car when it's sitting outside. It is also possible to consider a security light that can work with the cameras when you have driveway. This will notify you if there is any movement in your driveway and discourage thieves who may try to lift cars from the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers are replacing the physical key with a proximity key that transmits signals which can be used to open and start your car. Criminals have developed technology that enables them to hack into these systems and steal cars that do not have fobs or button on the keypad.
The latest theft technique involves using what researchers call the CAN bus attack, or 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 need to be able to intercept the signals from the vehicle's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was developed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves can access it by putting in an unprotected cable. This permits thieves to gain access to the computer code used to unlock and start the vehicle.
Shlisel claims that it can take between 20-30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a vehicle with the device, which is available online for less than $100. After that, the criminal can simply enter your car and take it away.
In the past, criminals have attempted to hack into vehicles through hijacking the radio signal used by the car's key fob to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks employ devices that capture the signal then amplify it and transmit it to another device that can clone the key fob's cryptographic number. The crook can then unlock your car, start it and drive off with the contents.
As car security experts warn, the risk of theft via keyless locks is growing as manufacturers outfit more models with the technology. Even if your car is not keyless, you must be cautious, especially when parking in a public place. Experts recommend that you park your vehicle for the night in a garage or at a minimum, somewhere with a good security system such as motion detection lights and CCTV.
Aside from that the most effective option is to keep your vehicle clean of your vehicle, getting rid of valuables such as Sat navigation systems or mobile phones. It is also recommended to lock your car doors and consider engraving the last seven digits of your vehicle's car key stolen what do i do identification number onto your windows or headlights.