Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open and start their vehicle without the need for traditional keys made of metal. However thieves are taking advantage of this technology.
The thieves use simple equipment that is available online to capture signals sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it and leave in a matter of seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal simply stands by your car with a device that can capture the key fob's signal. The key fob sends a signal to the device of the criminal that informs it of the response. The criminal then can get into the car and press the starter button and drive away. The entire procedure can be completed in less than minutes, and there is no requirement to forcibly enter.
This method is referred to as a relay attack and it can be utilized on a variety of models. The good news is the technology that makes this type of hack possible is easily bought on the internet. This means that almost every car can be hacked.
The most frequent kind of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is the high-end Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless access is also at risk. It is important to keep in mind that criminals aren't necessarily interested in the car itself, but rather the valuable items like cash and electronic devices inside.
One of the easiest ways to stop this type of theft is to avoid leaving any valuables in your car. If you are required to put them in a vehicle ensure that they are secured in a glove box or trunk. You could also park your car between a vehicle that isn't as desirable and your garage to deter thieves. Or, you can employ a lock for the steering wheel to stop criminals from getting the engine started.
Trackers are an excellent option if you're worried about your high-end car being targeted. It's not going to stop criminals from stealing your vehicle, however it can increase the odds of the police being able to retrieve and return it.
While this isn't a new type of theft, the fact that it can be done so swiftly and easily has raised alarm amongst motorists. It's a cat-and-mouse game between security professionals and thieves, and as technology advances, so too will the tactics used by criminals. You can take a few easy measures to prevent car thefts by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use your key fob to lock and start your car, it transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer which informs it that your keys are close by. But criminals have discovered ways to hack this system which can let them start the vehicle without holding the key in their hand.
The thieves use devices that amplify the faint signal that your fob sends the car when you try to unlock it or start it. They then relay that message to the car's key transponder and it then transmits an encrypted code that informs it to open the doors or start the engine. This code is the same as the one that's on your key fob, which means the car thinks it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, duplicate the key blank and then drive off with your vehicle. It's an inexpensive method also. These devices can be purchased online for less than $3,000 and are small enough to fit in a pocket. 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 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 hidden, and keeping valuables away from view when not in your vehicle. The most important thing to remember is to always ensure that you lock your vehicle. Even if you're only going away for a short period of time.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts involving keyless entry are increasing. It's not surprising, considering the number of cars being taken away by clever thieves using advanced technology, at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are inventive and have come up with clever ways to steal cars. The good news is that security experts are trying to keep up, so it's never been more simple to protect yourself from theft via keyless keys.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated trick that uses the same frequency as the key fob. The device can be tucked in the pocket of the criminal or left in the driveway to stop the car from being locked when the owner is using their key fob. This method may be more popular in the coming years even though there isn't any evidence that it is currently used widely.
Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the car's system This is why it's crucial to make sure your vehicle has the most recent software updates. Thieves are able to log into the owner's app and begin to start the car there, without requiring the key fob at all. If you've recently bought an used car, think about changing the keys to make it more difficult.
You can also help deter thieves by putting your car in garages, if it is possible. This might not hinder thieves from taking your car however it will make their task much more difficult as they will need to find an access point to the computer of the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last seven digits on the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it harder for thieves to change the vehicle's identity.
Also, you should consider 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 an excellent option to monitor your car when it is parking outside. It is also possible to consider a security light that can work with the cameras when you have a driveway. This will alert you if there is any movement in your driveway, and discourage thieves who may attempt to steal cars from the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers have replaced the physical key with a proximity key that sends a signal and can start and unlock your car. Criminals have created technology that allows them to hack into these systems and steal cars that do not have fobs or button on the keypad.
The latest theft method is using what's known as a CAN bus attack, or controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows various components of the vehicle to communicate with each the other, and it's the most sophisticated threat against keyless cars.
To attack a car using an attack on the CAN bus criminals must be able to intercept the signals from the vehicle's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was created to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves can access it by inserting a cable. This permits thieves to read your computer's code that is in your car, which is what it uses to unlock and begin your car.
It could take between 20 and 30 seconds to duplicate the vehicle's signal with a device available online for less than $100, Shlisel says. click here The crook will then enter your vehicle and drive it off.
In the past, criminals have attempted to hack into vehicles by hijacking the radio signal used by the key fob of the car to communicate with the onboard system. These crooks use devices that can capture the signal and amplify it before they transmit it to another device that can clone the key fob's cryptographic number. This allows the crooks to unlock your car and start it up, and after that it's just a matter of taking off with the items inside the.
Experts in car security warn that the risk of theft through keyless keys increases as more vehicles are fitted with the technology. However, even if you do not possess a car with a keyless entry system it is important to be aware, especially when parking in a public area. Experts suggest parking your vehicle in a garage for the night or at a place that offers high-quality security features for your home such as CCTV or motion-detection lighting.
Aside from that the most effective option is to keep clutter of your vehicle, getting rid of valuables such as Sat GPS units or mobile phones. You should also secure your car's doors and think about engraving the last seven digits of your vehicle identification number onto your headlights or windows.