Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open their car and start it without the need for traditional keys made of metal. However thieves are taking advantage of this technology.
Thieves are using a simple device available online to capture the signal that the fob sends to the car. This allows them to drive away in a matter of seconds, open the car and start it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal just stands in front of your car using the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. The key fob transmits an indication to the criminal's device that informs it of the response. The criminal is then able to enter, press the start button and drive away. The entire process could take just minutes and involves no need for force entry.
This technique, known as a "relay attack" is a method that can be utilized with a variety of models. The good thing is that the technology which makes this type of hack possible is easily bought online. This means that virtually all vehicles can be hackable.
The most popular kind of vehicle targeted is a luxury Range Rover, but any keyless entry car is at risk. It's important to remember that criminals aren't always interested in the car itself, but the valuable items like cash and electronic devices inside.
The most effective way to avoid this kind of theft is to not leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you are required to leave them in a car ensure that they are stored in a safe box or trunk. You can also park your vehicle between a less coveted garage and your vehicle to deter thieves, or utilize a steering wheel lock to stop the criminal from starting the engine.
Trackers are an excellent investment if you're worried about your expensive car being targeted. It's not going to stop criminals from stealing your vehicle, but it will increase the chances of police being able to recover and return it.
While this isn't a new form of theft, the fact that it can be done so swiftly and easily has caused a lot of concern amongst motorists. It's a cat-and-mouse game between security experts and thieves, and as technology advances as well, so do the tactics used by criminals. You can take some simple measures to prevent car thefts with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to lock and start your car, it transmits an audio signal to the vehicle's computer that lets it know your keys are close by. However, crooks have found ways to hack this system, which can let them start the vehicle without holding the key in their hands.
The thieves use devices that amplify the faint signal your fob sends 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 telling the car to open the doors or start the motor. The code is the same as the one on your key fob, so the car is convinced that it's coming from your key fob.
The thief could use that code to copy it onto a blank piece of paper, and then drive away with your vehicle. It's a fairly inexpensive process also. These devices are small enough to fit into pockets and can be bought on the internet for around $3,000 or less. So, how do you protect yourself against the dangers of these devices? Simple ways to protect yourself include placing your keys in a faraday enclosure or keeping them in the refrigerator when at home.
Other options include hiding all electrical items and keeping valuables hidden when you're not in your car. The most important thing to remember is to always be sure to lock your car. Even if you're leaving it for a short period of time.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are on the rise. It's no wonder, given 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 inventive and have come up with clever ways to steal vehicles. It's good to be aware that security website experts are at work to keep up with the times making it more secure than ever to defend yourself from theft via keyless keys.
A signal jammer is a more sophisticated method that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. This device can be placed in the pocket of the thief or tucked away in the drive to prevent the car from being unlocked when the owner uses their key fob. While there's no evidence this method is used widely at the moment, it could become more common in the future.
Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the car's system, which is why it's essential to ensure that your car is running the latest software updates. The thieves are able to connect to the owner's app and then start the car from there, without the need for an ignition key. If you've recently purchased a secondhand car, consider having the keys reprogrammed to make it harder.
You can also help deter thieves by parking your car in a garage, if possible. While this might not hinder them from stealing your vehicle, it can make their job more difficult since they'll have to find an access point to the car's computer. Consider etching your VIN's last 7 digits on the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it difficult for thieves to alter the identity of the vehicle.
Finally, it's worth considering installing a security camera, like those offered by the likes of Ring, Amazon Blink and Google Nest. They can also serve as a smart video doorbell, and can be a great tool to keep an eye on your car while it's sitting outside. You could also think about a security light that works with the cameras in the event that you have an outdoor driveway. This will alert you to any activity in your driveway. This can deter thieves from attempting to lift cars off of the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers have replaced the traditional key with a proximity key that sends an electronic signal that can be used to start and open your car. But criminals have developed technology to hack into those systems which allows them to steal cars without using the fob or a button on the keypad.
The latest theft technique involves using what's known as the CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows various components of the vehicle to communicate with each other, and it is the most sophisticated security threat to keyless cars.
To target a vehicle with an attack using a CAN bus the thieves must take over the signals coming 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 putting in a cable. This allows thieves to access the computer code used to unlock and start the vehicle.
Shlisel claims that it could take between 20 and 30 seconds to copy the signal of a vehicle with the device, which is available online for less than $100. The crook will then enter your vehicle and then drive it away.
Criminals have in the past hacked into cars using hijacked radio signals used by key fob in the car to connect with the onboard system. The hackers use devices that take the signal then amplify it and transmit it to another device to copy the key fob's cryptographic code. The crook is then able to unlock your car, turn it on and leave with the contents.
As car security experts warn, the risk of theft through keyless keys is increasing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. Even if your car isn't keyless, you must be vigilant, especially when you park it in a public space. Experts recommend that you park your vehicle for the night in a garage or at least somewhere that is secure such as motion detection lights and CCTV.
You should also remove valuables from your vehicle, including mobile phones or Sat Navs. Also, you should secure your car's doors and think about engraving the last seven digits on your vehicle's identification number onto your windows or headlights.