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 metal keys. However criminals are taking advantage of this technology.
Thieves are using a simple device that can be found online to capture the signal that the fob sends to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it and drive off in minutes.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing by your car with the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. When you pull the door handle the key fob sends an alert that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device transmits this message back to the key fob, luring it into thinking that its owner is nearby, and then unlocks the car. The criminal then can enter the vehicle and press the starter button and drive off. The whole process can take just minutes and involves no need for force entry.
This technique, known as a "relay attack" is possible to use with many different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible is affordable and readily available online. This means that virtually all cars can be hacked.
The most frequent kind of vehicle targeted by criminals is a high-end Range Rover. However, any car that has keyless entry is also at risk. It is important to keep in mind that criminals aren't always interested in the vehicle itself, but instead the valuable items inside, such as electronic devices and cash inside.
The most effective way to avoid this type of theft is to never leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave them in a car ensure that they are secured in a glove box or trunk. You can also park your car between a vehicle that isn't as desirable and your garage in order to deter thieves. You can also use a steering-wheel lock to stop criminals from starting the engine.
If you're concerned about your high-end vehicle being targeted, then you might want to taking a look at an alarm. This won't prevent a criminal from stealing a car, but will increase the odds that police will recover it and return it.
This is not an original type of theft, but the speed and ease at the speed at which it can be done has raised concerns among car owners. It's a game of cat-and-mouse between security professionals and criminals and, as technology advances, so will criminal tactics. You can take some simple steps to stop car thefts using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use your key fob to lock and start the car, it sends an audio signal to the car's computer that informs it that your keys are in the vicinity. Hackers have found ways to hack the system and start the car without a key.
The thieves use devices that amplify the faint signal your fob transmits to the car every time you attempt to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this signal to the key transponder in the car, and it sends back a code that tells the car whether to open doors or start the motor. This code is similar to the one you have on your key fob so the car believes it's coming from your key fob.
The thief could take that code, clone it onto a blank key and then steal your vehicle. It's also a relatively cost-effective procedure. These devices can be bought on the internet for less than $3,000 and are small enough to fit into the pocket of a. What can you do to protect yourself from these devices? Some simple defences include putting your keys in a Faraday-style cage or even putting them in the fridge while you're not at home.
Other options include making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on the front and rear windows, making sure all electrical items are hidden and keeping valuables away from view when you're not in your vehicle. But perhaps the most important thing to do is make sure you always, ensure that you 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 surprising, considering the number of vehicles being taken away by clever thieves using the latest technology at an all-time record.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a savvy group, and they've come up with clever ways to enter and take vehicles. The good news is that security experts are also striving to keep up, so it's never been more simple to protect yourself from theft of keys.
A signal jammer is a more 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 prevent the car from being unlocked by the owner who uses their key fob. This method could become more popular in the future even though there is no evidence that it is currently used widely.
Hacking the car's software is yet another more dangerous method. This is why you must make sure that your car has the most recent software updates. The thieves are able to log into the owner's app and start the vehicle from there, without the necessity of the key fob. You should consider having your keys reprogrammed when you recently bought a used vehicle.
If you can, you can also deter thieves by parking in a garage. This won't prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle, but it will make their job more difficult, as they'll need an access point to the computer in the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last seven digits on the headlights, windows and mirrors. This will make it difficult for thieves to alter the identity of the vehicle.
Also, you should consider installing a security camera like those offered by the likes of Ring, Amazon Blink and Google Nest. These cameras can also be used as a smart video doorbell and are a great method of monitoring your vehicle when it is parking outside. It is also possible to consider a security light that can work with the cameras when you have an outdoor driveway. It will notify you when there is any movement in your driveway and deter thieves who attempt to remove cars off the street.
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. But criminals have created technology to hack into those systems which allows them to take cars away without using the fob or even a button on the keypad.
Researchers have developed a new theft technique that involves what they call a CAN attack, also known as a controller network attack. The CAN bus system allows different components of a vehicle to communicate and is the most sophisticated way to attack against vehicles that do not have keys.
To attack a car using an attack on the CAN bus, thieves need to intercept the signals from the vehicle's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was designed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves are able to gain access to it by inserting an unprotected cable. This allows thieves to read your computer's code in your car that it uses to unlock and start your vehicle.
Shlisel claims it will take between 20-30 seconds to copy the signal of a vehicle with a device available online for less than $100. The crook will simply enter your car and drive away.
In the past, criminals have hacked into vehicles through hijacking the radio signal used by the key fob in the car to communicate with the onboard system. The hackers use devices that take the signal, amplify it, and transmit it to a different device to copy the key fob's cryptographic codes. That enables the crook to unlock your car and then start it up, and then it's just a matter of taking off with the items inside.
Security experts in the field of car security warn that the risk of theft through keyless keys increases as more models are equipped with the technology. Even if you don't have a keyless-entered vehicle, you should be careful especially when parking in public spaces. Experts suggest that you park your vehicle overnight in a garage or at the very least, in a place with a good security system such as motion detection lights and CCTV.
It is also recommended to remove valuables from your vehicle, including mobile phones or Sat Navs. You should also lock your car check here doors and consider engraving the last seven digits on the vehicle identification number on your headlights or windows.