Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems that allow drivers to open and start their car without the need for traditional keys made of metal. However criminals are taking advantage of this technology.
The thieves employ simple devices that are accessible online to capture signals sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it up and take off in just a few seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing by your car with the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. The key fob transmits a signal to the device of the criminal that tells it the response. The criminal can then get inside, hit the start button, and drive away. The entire procedure can be completed in less than minutes, and there's no need to forcibly enter.
This technique, known as a "relay attack" is a method that can be utilized with a variety of different models. The good news is that the technology that makes this kind of hack possible is affordable and readily available online. This means that almost all cars can be hacked.
The most popular type of vehicle targeted by criminals is a premium Range Rover. However, any car that has keyless entry is also at risk. Be aware that criminals aren't concerned with the car itself, but the valuable items inside like electronic gadgets and cash.
The most effective way to avoid this kind of theft is to not leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you have to leave them in the car, lock them away in the trunk or glove box. You can also park your car between a less appealing vehicle and your garage to deter thieves. You can also use a steering-wheel lock to stop criminals from getting the engine started.
Trackers are a good option if you're worried about your luxury vehicle being targeted. It won't stop criminals from stealing your car however it will increase the chances that police can locate and return it.
This isn't an entirely new form of theft but the speed and ease at the speed at which it can be done has caused a lot of concern among car owners. It's a cat-and-mouse game between security professionals and thieves, and as technology advances, so too will criminal tactics. It is possible to take a few simple measures to prevent car thefts with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use your key fob to lock and start your car, it sends a radio signal to the vehicle's computer that informs it that your keys are close by. Hackers have discovered ways to hack the system to start the car without a key.
To do this, criminals have been using devices to amplify the normally faint message your fob sends to the car to let it know that you're trying to unlock or start it. They transmit that signal to the car's key transponder and it then transmits an encrypted code that instructs it to open the doors or start the engine. This code is identical to the one on your key fob, which is why the car is convinced that it's coming from the key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, copy the blank key and then steal your vehicle. It's a relatively cheap process as well. These devices are small enough to slip into a pocket, and can be purchased on the internet for around $3,000 or less. How can you protect yourself from these devices? Simple ways to protect yourself include placing your keys in a faraday cage, or keeping them in the refrigerator when you are at home.
Other measures include hiding all electrical items and securing valuables when you are not in your car. The most important thing to remember is to always ensure that you lock your car. Even if you're just leaving it for a few moments.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, keyless entry car theft is becoming a major issue. It's no wonder, with the number of cars being stolen by savvy thieves who use advanced technology, at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a savvy group, and they've come up with some clever ways to enter and take vehicles. The good news is that security experts are striving to keep up with the times, making it easier to secure yourself from theft via keyless keys.
One of the most sophisticated methods involves a device called a signal jammer, that emits the same frequency as your key fob. It can be placed in the pocket of a thief, or hidden in the drive and prevents the car from being unlocked when the owner is using the key fob. This method may become more popular in the near future, even though there's no evidence that it is currently used widely.
Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the car's system, which is why it's crucial 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. You should consider having your keys reprogrammed in the event that you recently bought a used car.
You can also assist in preventing thieves by parking your vehicle in a garage, if possible. While this may not prevent them from stealing the vehicle, it will make their job a lot more difficult since they'll have to find a way to access the car's computer. Consider etching your VIN's last 7 digits on the headlights, windows and mirrors. This will make it harder for thieves to change the identity of the vehicle.
It's also worth installing a security camera, such as those available from the likes of 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. If you have a driveway you could also look into a security floodlight which is compatible with these cameras. This will alert you to any movements in your driveway. It will deter thieves from trying to take cars off the streets.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers now replace the physical key with a signal-transmitting proximity key which can be used to open and start your car. But criminals have developed technology to hack into those get more info systems, allowing them to take cars away without using the fob or the button on the keypad.
The most recent theft method involves using what's known as a CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows various components of the car to communicate with each the other, and it's the most sophisticated threat against keyless cars.
To target a vehicle with a CAN bus attack criminals must be able to intercept the signals from the car's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was created to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves are able to access it by inserting cables. This permits thieves to read your computer's code in your car, which is what it uses to unlock and begin your car.
It can take 20 to 30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a vehicle using an online-based device that costs less than a hundred dollars, Shlisel says. The crook will simply enter your car and take away.
Criminals have in the past in the past hacked into cars using hijacked radio signals used by the key fob in the car to communicate with its onboard system. The hackers use devices that capture the signal then amplify it and transmit it to another device to clone the key fob's cryptographic number. The crook can then unlock your vehicle, start it and drive off with the contents.
As experts in car security warn, the danger of theft through keyless keys is increasing as more vehicles are equipped with the technology. But even if you don't have a vehicle that is keyless-entered, you should be careful, especially when parking in a public area. Experts recommend parking your vehicle in a garage overnight, or at least a place that offers high-quality security features for your home like CCTV and motion detection lighting.
In addition, the best option is to keep your vehicle clean out of your vehicle - taking away valuable items such as Sat GPS units or mobile phones. Moreover, you should make sure you lock your car doors, and consider etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identity Number onto your car's headlights or windows.