Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many modern cars have keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open and start their car without the need for traditional metal keys. However thieves are taking advantage of this technology.
The thieves use simple tools that are available online to capture signals that are sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to get away in a matter of seconds, then open the car and start it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal may simply sit by your car and use a device to capture the signal from the key fob. When you pull your door handle the key fob broadcasts an alert that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device beams this signal back to the key fob, luring it into thinking the owner is in the vicinity and unlocking the car. The criminal then can enter the vehicle and press the starter button and leave the vehicle. The whole process can take just minutes and involves no forced entry.
This method, also referred to as a "relay attack", can be used with a variety of different models. The good news is that the technology which makes this type of hack possible is 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 vehicle that has a keyless entry system is at risk. It's important to remember that criminals don't really care in the vehicle itself, but instead the valuable things inside such as cash and electronic devices inside.
The best way to avoid this type of theft is to ensure that you don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you have to leave them in your car, put them in a lock in the trunk or glove box. You could also consider parking your car between a second less sought-after garage and your vehicle to deter thieves, or utilize a steering wheel lock to prevent the thief from beginning the engine.
If you're concerned about your high-end vehicle being targeted, then you might want to looking into the use of a tracker. It won't stop criminals from stealing your car, but it will increase the chances of the police being able find and return it.
Although this isn't an entirely new method of theft but the possibility of it being done so quickly and easily has caused alarm amongst car owners. It's a game between security professionals and thieves, and as technology advances, so too will criminal tactics. You can take some simple measures to prevent car thefts using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to start and lock your car, the computer in the vehicle receives a radio alert that informs it that your keys are near. Hackers have found ways to hack the system and start the car without keys.
To accomplish this, thieves have been using devices that amplify the typically faint message that your fob transmits 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 in your car, which then sends back an encrypted code that tells it whether to open the doors or start the engine. The code is the same as the one on your key fob, so the car believes it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The criminal will then take this code, copy the blank key and then drive off with your vehicle. It's also a very cost-effective process. These devices are small enough to slide into your pocket and are available on the internet for around $3,000 or less. What can you do to protect yourself from these devices? Simple defences include placing 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 windows on the rear and front, making sure all electrical devices are covered and keeping valuables out of sight when you're not in your car. The most important thing is to ensure that you ensure that you lock your car, even if it's just for a few minutes.
According to research by Thatcham, keyless entry car theft is on the rise. It's not surprising, considering the number of cars being taken by smart thieves who use advanced technology, at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are resourceful and have come up with some clever methods to steal cars. It's good to be aware that security experts are working hard to keep pace, so it is easier than ever to protect yourself from theft of keys.
One of the most sophisticated tricks involves a device known as a signal jammer which emits on the same frequency as your key fob. The device can be tucked in the pocket of the thief or tucked away in the driveway to prevent the car from being unlocked when the owner is using their key fob. This technique here could be more popular in the future, even though there isn't any evidence that it is currently in use.
Another more sinister trick involves hacking into the system of your car, which is why it's essential to ensure that your car has the latest software updates. The thieves can connect to the app of the owner and start the vehicle from there without the need for the key fob. If you recently purchased an used car, think about getting the keys reprogrammed to make it harder.
You can also deter thieves by putting your car in a garage, if possible. Although this won't prevent them from stealing the vehicle, it will make their job more difficult since they'll have to find an access point to the computer in your car. It's also worth thinking about etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the mirrors, windows and headlights, as this will make it much more difficult for anyone to alter the vehicle's identity in the future.
It's also worthwhile to consider installing a security system such as those available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. They can also function as an intelligent video doorbell and can be a great tool to monitor your car's location when it's parked outside. If you have a driveway you might want to think about a security floodlight that works with these cameras. This will notify you of any movement in your driveway and will stop 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 a signal and can start and open your car. Criminals have developed technology that enables them to hack these systems and steal vehicles without fobs or a button on the keypad.
The latest theft method is the use of what's known as a 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 attack against cars that are keyless.
To take on a car with an attack on the CAN bus, thieves need to intercept the signals from the car's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was developed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves are able to access it by inserting a 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 could take between 20 and 30 seconds to copy the signal of a vehicle using the device, which is available online for less than $100. The criminal will then gain access to your vehicle and then drive it away.
Criminals have in the past hacked into cars by hijacking radio signals used by key fob in the car to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks use devices to capture the signal, amplify it, and then transmit it to a second device to clone key fob's encryption code. That enables the crook to unlock your car and start it up, then it's just a matter of taking off with the items inside the.
As experts in car security warn, the risk of theft via keyless locks is growing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. But even if you don't have a vehicle that is keyless-entered you must be cautious especially when parking in a public area. Experts recommend parking your vehicle in a garage overnight or at a place that offers good home security - like CCTV and motion detection lighting.
You should also take away valuables from your vehicle, such as mobile phones or Sat Navs. In addition, you must make sure you lock your car doors, and you may want to etch the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identity Number on your headlights or windows.