Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest vehicles have keyless entry systems which allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without traditional metal keys. The technology is being used by thieves.
The thieves employ simple devices that are accessible online to record signals that are sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it up and drive off in seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal just stands by your car with the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. The key fob transmits an alert to the device used by the criminal, which tells it the response. The criminal then can enter the vehicle and press the starter button and drive away. The entire process can be completed in a matter of minutes and requires no need for force entry.
This technique is known as a relay attack and it is a possibility on a variety of models. The good news is the technology that makes this type of hack possible is easily purchased on the internet. This means that almost every car can be hacked.
The most well-known type of vehicle targeted is a luxury Range Rover, but any vehicle that has a keyless entry system is at risk. It is important to keep in mind that criminals don't really care in the vehicle itself, but instead the valuable items like cash and electronic devices within.
The easiest way to prevent this kind of theft is to ensure that you don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave them in the car, put them in a lock in the glove box or trunk. You can also park your vehicle between a vehicle that isn't as desirable and your garage to discourage thieves. Also, you can use a steering-wheel lock to stop criminals from beginning the engine.
If you're worried about a expensive vehicle being targeted it's worth taking a look at the use of a tracker. It's not going to stop criminals from stealing your car however it can increase the odds of police being able to retrieve and return it.
While this isn't a new type of theft, the fact that it can be done so swiftly and easily has raised alarm amongst car owners. It's a cat-and-mouse game between security professionals and thieves, and as technology continues to advance as well, so do the methods used by criminals. Fortunately you can take simple steps to prevent car theft by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use the key fob to start or lock your vehicle, the computer inside the vehicle receives a radio message that tells it your keys are in close proximity. But crooks have discovered ways to hack this system, which allows them to start the vehicle without holding the key in their hands.
To do this, criminals have been using devices to amplify the normally faint message that your fob sends to the vehicle to let it know that you're trying to unlock it or start it. They transmit that message to the key transponder of the car, which then sends back a cryptographic code that instructs it to open the doors or start the engine. This code is identical as the one on your key fob, therefore the car thinks it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The criminal will then take this code, duplicate the blank key, and drive off with your vehicle. It's a relatively cheap process as well. These devices can be purchased online for less than $3,000 and are small enough to be stuffed into a pocket. So, how can you defend yourself from the dangers of these devices? A few simple ways to protect yourself are placing your keys in a Faraday-style cage or even leaving them in the fridge while you're at home.
Other methods include etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the windows on the rear and front and ensuring that all electrical items are concealed, and keeping valuables away from view when not in your car. The most important thing to remember is to always ensure that you lock your car. Even if you're going away for a few moments.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are on the rise. It's not surprising that the amount of vehicles burgled by sophisticated thieves using the latest technologies is at a record high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are inventive and have come up with some clever methods to steal vehicles. It's important to know that security experts are working hard to keep up and make it more secure than ever to defend yourself from theft via keyless keys.
One of the more sophisticated methods involves a device called a signal jammer, which emits on the same frequency as your key fob. It can be put in the pocket of the thief or left somewhere in the drive and prevents the car from unlocking when the owner uses the key fob. Although there's no evidence that this method is used widely currently, it could become more widespread in the near future.
Another more sinister trick involves hacking into the car's computer system and stealing data from the car. This is why it's crucial to ensure that your car has the most recent 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. It is worth reprogramming the keys in the event that you recently bought a used car.
If possible, you can also stop thieves from entering a garage. This won't hinder thieves from taking your car however it will make their task more difficult, as they will need to find ways to gain access to the computer of the vehicle. It's also worth considering etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the mirrors, windows, and headlights. This makes it harder for anyone to change the identity of the vehicle in the future.
It's also worthwhile to consider installing an alarm system for security like the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These can also double up as a smart video doorbell and are a great way to keep an eye on your car while it's g28carkeys.co.uk in a parking space outside. If you have a driveway, you might want to look into a security floodlight which integrates with these cameras. This will notify you if there is any movement in your driveway and discourage thieves who may attempt to steal cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers are replacing the physical key with a proximity key that transmits signals that allows you to open and start your car. Criminals have created 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 method is 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 parts of the car to communicate with one other, and it is 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 vehicle's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was designed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves can access it by inserting cables. This allows thieves to read your car's computer's code which it is used to unlock and start your vehicle.
Shlisel claims that it could take between 20 and 30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a vehicle with an online device that costs less than $100. After that, the criminal can simply enter your car and take away.
Criminals have in the past in the past hacked into cars using hijacked radio signals used by key fob of the vehicle 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 leave with the contents.
Security experts in the field of car security warn that the risk of theft via keyless locks increases as more models are equipped with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, you must be aware, particularly when parking in a public area. Experts recommend that you park your car overnight in a garage or at a minimum, somewhere that is secure like motion detection lights and CCTV.
You should also take away valuables from your vehicle, like mobile phones or Sat Navs. You should also lock your car doors and consider engraving the last seven digits on your vehicle's identification number onto your windows or headlights.