Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many newer vehicles feature keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their vehicle without the traditional metal keys. However criminals are taking advantage of this technology.
The thieves make use of simple equipment that is available online to capture signals sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to drive away in seconds, open the car, and then start it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing by your car with a device that can capture the key fob's signal. The key fob transmits an indication to the device of the criminal that informs it of the response. The criminal then can jump into the car, press the starter button, and drive away. The whole process can be completed in a matter of minutes and requires no forced entry.
This technique is known as a relay attack and it can be utilized on a variety of models. The good news is that the technology that makes this kind of hack possible is cheap and easy to buy online. This means that virtually all cars 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 keyless entry is also at risk. It's important to remember that criminals don't really care in the car itself, but rather the valuable things inside such as cash and electronic devices within.
One of the best ways to prevent this type of theft is to avoid leaving any valuables in your car. If you have to leave them in a car, make sure they're stored in a safe box or trunk. You can also park your car between a less sought-after garage and your vehicle to discourage thieves, or utilize a steering wheel lock to prevent the thief from beginning the engine.
Trackers are a great option if you're worried about your high-end vehicle being targeted. This won't prevent a criminal from stealing a car but it will increase the odds that police can recover and return it.
This is not a new type of theft, but the speed and ease at which it can be accomplished has caused a lot of concern among car owners. It's a game of cat and mouse between security professionals and thieves, and as technology continues to advance and evolve, so will the tactics used by criminals. It is possible to take a few simple measures to avoid car thefts using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to lock and start your vehicle, it sends an electronic signal to the computer in the car that lets it know your keys are nearby. Hackers have discovered ways to hack into the system and open the door with no key.
The thieves use devices that amplify the faint signal that your fob sends the car when you try to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this signal to the key transponder of the car, and it sends back a code telling the car whether to open the doors or start the motor. This code is the same as the one on your key fob, so the car thinks it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, clone the key blank, and drive off with your vehicle. It's also a very inexpensive procedure. These devices can be purchased online for less than $3,000 and are small enough to fit into pockets. So, how can you protect yourself against the threat of these devices? Simple ways to protect yourself include placing your keys in a faraday cage, or leaving them in the refrigerator when at home.
Other options include etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the front and rear windows as well as making sure that all electrical devices are covered, and ensuring that valuables are away from view when you're not in your vehicle. The most important thing to remember is to be sure to lock your vehicle. Even if you're just leaving it for a short period of time.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are increasing. It's not surprising that the amount of vehicles burgled by sophisticated thieves using advanced technologies is at a record high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a creative group, and they've come up with clever ways to enter and steal vehicles. The good news is that security experts are working hard to keep up, so it's never been more simple to secure yourself from keyless theft.
One of the most sophisticated methods involves a device called a signal jammer, which emits at the same frequency as your key fob. It can be placed in the thief's pocket or left somewhere in the drive and prevents the car from unlocking when the owner uses the key fob. Although there's no evidence to suggest that this method is commonly used at the moment, it could be more prevalent in the future.
Another more sinister trick involves hacking into the system of your car, which is why it's essential to ensure that your car is running the latest software updates. Thieves can then log into the owner's account and start the car from there without needing the key fob in any way. If you've recently bought a secondhand car, consider getting the keys reprogrammed to make it more difficult.
If possible, you can also stop thieves from entering garages. It's not going to prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle, but it will make their job more difficult, as they will have to find ways to gain access to the computer of the vehicle. You could consider etching the VIN's last seven digits onto the headlights, windows and mirrors. This will make it harder for thieves to change the identity of the vehicle.
It's also a good idea to install a security system such as those available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These cameras can be utilized as a smart video-doorbell, and are an excellent method of monitoring your vehicle when it is parked outside. It is also possible to consider the use of a security light with the cameras in the event that you have an outdoor driveway. This will notify you of any activity in your driveway. This will stop thieves from attempting to lift cars off the streets.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers have replaced the physical key with the proximity key, which transmits signals and can begin and open your car. Criminals have developed technology that allows them to hack into these systems and steal cars without the fob or button on the keypad.
The latest theft method is using what researchers call the CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows different parts of the car to communicate with one other, and it is the most sophisticated threat against keys-less vehicles.
To attack a vehicle using an attack on the CAN-bus, thieves must intercept the signals from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port is specifically designed to be used by professional diagnostic tools, check here however it can be accessed by criminals by putting a special cable into it. This allows thieves to read the car's computer's code, which is what it is used to unlock and start your car.
It could take between 20 and 30 seconds to copy a vehicle's signal using a device sold online for less than 100 dollars, Shlisel says. The criminal will then get into your vehicle and then drive it away.
Criminals have hacked into cars by hijacking radio signals used by key fob of the car to connect with its onboard system. The crooks make use of devices to capture the signal, amplify it, and transmit it to a different device to copy the key fob's encryption code. The crook is then able to unlock your car, turn it on and drive off with the contents.
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 you must be cautious, especially when parking in a public space. Experts advise parking your car in a garage for a night or at a location with good home security - such as CCTV or motion-detection lighting.
Aside from that, the best thing you can do is to keep a clear of your vehicle, getting rid of valuables such as Sat Navs or mobile phones. You should also secure your car's doors and think about engraving the last seven digits on your vehicle identification number onto your windows or headlights.