Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
A lot of newer cars have keyless entry systems which allow drivers to start and open their vehicle without using traditional metal keys. However criminals are taking advantage of this technology.
The thieves use simple equipment that is accessible online to capture signals sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to get away in a matter of seconds, open the car and begin it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal may simply sit by your vehicle and employ a device to intercept the signal from the key fob. When you pull your door handle the key fob sends an alarm that asks "are you the owner of this car?" The criminal's device transmits this message back to the key fob, luring it into thinking the owner is nearby, and then unlocks the car. The criminal then can get into the car and press the starter button, and drive away. The whole process can take only a few minutes and involves no force entry.
This method, also known as a "relay attack" is possible to use with a variety of models. The good news is the technology that makes this kind of hacking possible can be easily purchased online. That means almost all cars are vulnerable.
The most common kind of vehicle targeted by criminals is a premium Range Rover. However, any car that has keyless access is also at risk. Remember that the criminals aren't concerned with the car itself, but the valuable items inside like cash and electronic gadgets.
The most effective way to avoid this kind of theft is to never leave valuables in your vehicle. If you have to leave them in a vehicle, make sure they're locked away in a glove box or trunk. You can also park your vehicle between another less desirable vehicle and your garage to deter thieves. You can also employ a lock for the steering wheel to stop thieves from starting the engine.
Trackers are an excellent option if you're worried about your high-end car being targeted. This won't stop a criminal from stealing your vehicle, however it can increase the likelihood of police being able to retrieve and return it.
While this isn't a new form of theft, the possibility of it being accomplished so quickly and easily has caused alarm amongst motorists. It's a game of cat and mouse between security professionals and thieves, and as technology advances, so too will the methods used by criminals. You can take a few easy measures to prevent car thefts with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use your key fob to lock and start the vehicle, it sends an electronic signal to the vehicle's computer that lets it know your keys are nearby. But crooks have discovered ways to hack this system, that allows them to start the vehicle without holding the key in their hand.
To do this, thieves have been using devices to amplify the typically faint message your fob sends to the car to let it know that you're trying to unlock it or start it. They transmit that signal to the key transponder of the car and it then transmits an encrypted code that tells it whether to open the doors or start the engine. The code is the same as the one that's on your key fob, so the car believes it's a valid signal from your key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, duplicate the key blank and then steal your vehicle. It's also a very inexpensive procedure. These devices can be bought on the internet for check here less than $3000 and are small enough to fit into pockets. So, how do you safeguard yourself from the dangers of these devices? Simple defenses include putting your keys in a faraday cage or leaving them in the refrigerator when at home.
Other options include hiding all electrical items and securing valuables when you're not in your vehicle. The most important thing to do is ensure that you ensure that you 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 stolen by savvy thieves who use advanced technology, at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a resourceful group, and they've come up with some clever ways to get in and take vehicles. The good news is that security experts are also striving to keep up with the times, so it's never been more simple to protect yourself from theft of keys.
A signal jammer is a more sophisticated device that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. It can be put in the pocket of the thief or hidden in the drive and prevents the car from being unlocked when the owner uses the key fob. This method could become more popular in the coming years, even though there's no evidence to suggest it is currently widely used.
Hacking the car's software is yet another more dangerous method. This is why you should always ensure that your car is running the latest software updates. The thieves could connect to the app of the owner and start the vehicle from there, without the need for the key fob. Consider having the keys reprogrammed if you recently purchased a used vehicle.
If possible, you can also discourage thieves by parking in a garage. While this might not prevent them from stealing the vehicle, it will make their job a lot more difficult as they'll need to find a way to access the computer in your car. It's also worth considering etching the last seven digits of your VIN on to the mirrors, windows, and headlights, as this makes it harder for anyone to change the identity of the vehicle in the future.
It's also a good idea to install a security system, such as the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. They can also serve 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 can even think about a security floodlight that is compatible with these cameras. This will notify you of any movements in your driveway. It can deter thieves from trying to take cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers are replacing the physical key with a signal-transmitting proximity key which can be used to open and start your car. Criminals have created 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 method of theft that is based on what they call a CAN attack, or controller network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows various components of the vehicle to communicate with each the other, and it's the most sophisticated threat against keyless cars.
To take on a car with an attack on the CAN bus the thieves must take over the signals coming from the car's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port is specifically designed to be used by professionals diagnostic tools, but it can be accessed by thieves by inserting a specific cable into it. This permits thieves to read your car's computer's code, which is what it uses to unlock and start your vehicle.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a vehicle using a device sold online for less than a hundred dollars, Shlisel says. The criminal will then gain access to your vehicle and drive it off.
Criminals have in the past gained entry into vehicles by hijacking radio signals used by key fob of the car to communicate with its onboard system. The crooks make use of devices to capture the signal and amplify it, then transmit it to a different device to copy the key fob's encryption code. This allows the crooks to unlock your car and start it up, and then it's as simple as taking off with the items inside.
As experts in car security warn, the danger of theft through keyless keys is increasing as more vehicles are equipped with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, you must be cautious, especially when parking in a public area. Experts recommend that you park your car overnight 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, like mobile phones or Sat Navs. Moreover, you should make sure to close your car doors and you may want to etch the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number onto your car's headlights or windows.