Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their car without the need for traditional metal keys. The technology is being used by thieves.
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 open the car, start it up and take off in just a few just a few seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal may simply stand by your vehicle and employ a device that can capture the signal from the key fob. The key fob transmits an alert to the device used by the criminal, which sends it the signal. The criminal is then able to jump into the car, press the starter button and drive away. The whole process can take only a few minutes and involves no need for force entry.
This method is referred to as a relay attack, and it can be used on a variety of models. The good news is the technology which makes this type of hack possible can be easily bought on the internet. That means that nearly all cars are vulnerable.
The most common kind of vehicle that is 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 focused on the car in itself, but rather the valuable items inside, such as electronic gadgets and cash.
One of the most effective ways to prevent this type of theft is by not leaving any valuables in your vehicle. If you have to leave them in your car, put them in a lock in the glove box or trunk. You can also park your car between another less desirable vehicle and your garage to deter thieves. Or, you can utilize a steering-wheel lock to stop thieves from beginning the engine.
If you're worried about a expensive vehicle being targeted then it might be worth taking a look at an alarm. This won't stop criminals from stealing your car, but increases the likelihood that police can locate and return it.
While this isn't a new method of theft but the fact that it can be done so swiftly and easily has caused a lot of concern amongst car owners. It's a game between security experts and thieves, and as technology continues to advance as well, so do criminal tactics. Luckily, you can take some simple steps to prevent car theft using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use the key fob to open and lock your vehicle, the computer inside the vehicle receives a radio signal which informs it that your keys are in close proximity. Hackers have discovered ways to hack into the system and open the door with no key.
To do this, thieves have been using devices to amplify the normally faint message that your fob transmits to the car to inform it that you're trying to unlock 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 identical as the one you've got on your key fob, so the car believes it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The thief could use that code to copy it onto a blank piece of paper, and then steal your car. It's an inexpensive method as well. These devices can be purchased on the internet for less than $3,000 and are small enough here to fit into pockets. So, how can you safeguard yourself from the threat of these devices? A few simple ways to protect yourself are placing your keys in a Faraday cage, or even leaving them in the fridge while you're not at home.
Other options include putting away all electrical devices and keeping valuables hidden even when you're not in your car. The most important thing is to ensure that you make sure to lock your car even if only for a few minutes.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts involving keyless entry are on the rise. It's no wonder, with the number of cars being taken by smart thieves using advanced technology, at an all-time record.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are clever and have come up with some clever methods to steal vehicles. It's good to know that security experts are at work to keep up with the times making it easier than ever before to secure yourself against keyless theft.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated trick that uses the same frequency as the key fob. It can be put in the pocket of the thief or hidden somewhere in the drive. It also stops the car from unlocking when the owner is using the key fob. Although there's no evidence that this method is widely used currently but it could become more widespread in the future.
Hacking the car's software is another more dangerous method. This is why you must make sure that your vehicle is running the latest software updates. The thieves can connect to the app of the owner and then start the car from there without the need for the key fob. You should consider having your keys reprogrammed when you recently bought an used car.
If you can, you can also deter thieves by parking in a garage. This won't stop thieves from stealing your vehicle however it will make their task much more difficult as they will need to find an access point to the computer of the vehicle. It's also worth considering etching the seven digits that make up your VIN on the mirrors, windows and headlights. This will make it much more difficult for anyone to change the identity of the vehicle in the future.
Also, you should consider installing a security camera, like those from the likes of Ring, Amazon Blink and Google Nest. They can also function as a smart video doorbell and are a great way to monitor your car's location when it's in a parking space outside. If you have a driveway, you could also think about a security floodlight that is compatible with these cameras. This will notify you if there is any movement in your driveway and deter thieves who try to lift cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers now replace the physical key with a signal-transmitting proximity key that allows you to open and start your car. Criminals have developed technology that allows them to hack these systems and steal vehicles without fobs or a button on the keypad.
Researchers have come up with a novel theft technique that involves what they call a CAN attack, or controller network attack. The CAN bus system allows different components of a vehicle to communicate and is the most sophisticated method of attack against cars that are keyless.
To take on a vehicle with an attack on the CAN-bus, thieves must be able to intercept signals from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port is designed for the use of professional diagnostic tools, however it is also accessible to criminals by putting a special cable into it. This allows thieves to read your computer's code that is in your car, which is what it uses to unlock and start your car.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds to duplicate the vehicle's signal with an online-based device that costs less than $100, Shlisel says. Afterwards, the crook can simply get into your car and take away.
In the past, criminals have attempted to hack into vehicles by hijacking the radio signal that is used by the key fob of the car to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks use devices to capture the signal, amplify it, and transmit it to another device to clone key fob's encryption code. This allows the crooks to unlock your car and then start it up, and after that it's just a matter of leaving with the contents inside.
As car security experts warn, the danger of keyless theft is growing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, it is still advisable to be cautious, especially if you park in a public area. Experts advise parking your car in a garage for a night, or at least a place that offers high-quality security features for your home such as CCTV and motion-detection lighting.
Aside from that the best option is to keep clutter of your car - taking away valuable items such as Sat GPS units or mobile phones. 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.