Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems that allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without the requirement for traditional metal keys. The technology is being abused by thieves.
The thieves make use of simple equipment that is accessible online to record signals that are sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it and leave in a matter of minutes.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing near your car, using an instrument that can record the key fob's signal. The key fob sends a signal to the device used by the criminal, which informs it of the response. The criminal can then jump in, press the start button and drive away. The entire process can be completed in a matter of minutes, and there's no need to forcibly enter.
This technique is referred to as a relay attack and it can be used on many different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this kind of hack possible is affordable and readily available on the internet. That means almost all cars are vulnerable.
The most frequent kind of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is a premium Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless entry is also at risk. It's important to remember that criminals aren't always interested in the vehicle itself, but instead the valuable items inside, such as electronic devices and cash inside.
The easiest way to prevent this kind of theft is to ensure that you don't leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave them in your car, lock them away in the glove box or trunk. You could also consider parking your car between a second less sought-after garage and your vehicle to deter thieves. You can also use a lock for your steering wheel to prevent the criminal from beginning the engine.
If you're concerned about a luxury vehicle being targeted, it's worth considering investing in a tracker. This won't stop a criminal from stealing your vehicle, however it can increase the chances of the police being able find and return it.
This isn't an original type of theft, but the speed and ease with the way it can be carried out has caused concern among motorists. It's a game of cat and mouse between security professionals and thieves, and as technology advances, so too will the tactics used by criminals. Fortunately you can take simple steps to prevent car theft by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use your key fob to lock and start the car, it sends an electronic signal to the computer in the car which informs it that your keys are nearby. But crooks have discovered ways to hack this system, which can let them start the vehicle without holding the key in their hands.
The thieves employ devices that amplify the faint signal that your fob sends the car when you attempt to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this signal to the key transponder of the car, which transmits back a code telling the car to open doors or turn on the motor. This code is identical to the one you have on your key fob, so the car is convinced that it's coming from the key fob.
The thief will then take this code, copy the key blank and then drive off with your vehicle. It's also a fairly inexpensive process. The devices can be purchased online for less than $3,000 and are small enough to be stuffed into pockets. So, how can you safeguard yourself from the threat 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 methods include making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on the front and rear windows and ensuring that all electrical items are concealed, and keeping valuables out of sight when you're not in your car. Perhaps the most important thing to do is make sure you always, make sure to lock your car even if only for a few minutes.
According to research by Thatcham, keyless entry vehicle theft is a growing problem. It's not a surprise that the number of vehicles burgled by sophisticated thieves using the latest technologies is at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a resourceful group and have come up with clever ways to get in and steal vehicles. The good news is that security experts are also trying to keep up, so it's never been more simple to safeguard yourself from keyless theft.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated trick that uses the same frequency as the key fob. It can be placed in the pocket of a thief, or left somewhere in the drive. It stops the car from unlocking when the owner has the key fob. While there's no evidence this method is commonly used currently however, it may be more prevalent in the near future.
Another, more dangerous technique involves hacking into the system of your car, which is why it's essential to ensure that your car has the latest software updates. Thieves could then log in to the owner's app and begin to start the car there, without needing the key fob in any way. Consider having the keys reprogrammed when you recently bought an used car.
You can also help deter thieves by parking your vehicle in garages, if it is possible. Although this won't stop them from stealing the vehicle, it can make their job a lot more difficult since they'll need an access point to the car's computer. Consider etching your VIN's last seven digits onto the windows, headlights, and mirrors. This will make it harder for thieves to change the vehicle's identity.
Also, you should consider installing a security camera, like those from the likes of Ring, Amazon Blink and Google Nest. They can also serve as an intelligent video doorbell and are a great way to keep an eye website on your car while it's in a parking space outside. You could also think about a security light that works with the cameras if you have a driveway. This will alert you to any movement in your driveway and will discourage thieves from trying to take cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers have replaced the physical key with the proximity key, which transmits an electronic signal that can be used to start and unlock your car. Criminals have developed technology that allows them to hack into these systems and steal cars that do not have fobs or button on the keypad.
The latest theft technique involves using what's known as a CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus system allows various parts of a car 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 intercept the signals from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port was designed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, criminals can gain access to it by inserting an unprotected cable. This permits thieves to read your computer's code in your car, which is what it is used to unlock and start your vehicle.
Shlisel claims that it could take between 20-30 seconds to copy the signal of a car using a device available online for less than $100. Afterwards, the crook can simply walk into your vehicle and drive away.
Criminals have 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 detect the signal, amplify it, and transmit it to another device that can clone the key fob's cryptographic codes. The crook will then be able to unlock your car, turn it on and drive off with the contents.
As car security experts warn, the risk of theft via keyless locks is growing as more vehicles are equipped with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, you must be vigilant, especially when you park it in a public place. Experts advise parking your car in a garage for the night or in an area that has high-quality security features for your home such as CCTV or motion-detection lighting.
You should also remove valuables from your vehicle, like mobile phones or Sat Navs. It is also recommended to lock your car doors and consider engraving the last seven digits on the vehicle identification number on your headlights or windows.