Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their vehicle without the need for traditional keys made of metal. However thieves are taking advantage of this technology.
The thieves employ simple tools that are accessible online to capture signals that are sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it and take off in just a few seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal simply stands by your car with the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. The key fob transmits a signal to the device used by the criminal, which sends it the signal. The criminal is then able to jump in, press the start button, and drive away. The entire process can be completed in a matter of minutes, and there is no requirement to force entry.
This method, also referred to as"relay attack "relay attack" is a method that can be utilized with many different models. The good thing is that the technology which makes this type of hacking possible can be easily bought on the internet. This means that nearly all vehicles can be hackable.
The most popular kind of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is the premium Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless access is also at risk. It's important to remember that criminals don't really care in the car itself, but the valuable items like cash and electronic devices inside.
One of the easiest ways to prevent this type of theft is to avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. If you are required to put them in a vehicle ensure that they are secured in a glove box or trunk. You could also consider parking your car between a second less popular vehicle and your garage to discourage thieves, or utilize a steering wheel lock to prevent the criminal from getting the engine started.
Trackers are a good investment if you're worried about your high-end car being targeted. It won't stop criminals from stealing a vehicle, but increases the likelihood that police can locate and return it.
This is not a new 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 between security professionals and criminals and, as technology improves and criminal strategies evolve, so do the tactics. Luckily you can take simple steps to stop car theft by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to lock and start your car, it sends an electronic signal to the computer in the car that lets it know your keys are close by. Hackers have discovered ways to hack into the system and start the car with no key.
To do this, thieves have been using devices to enhance the normal message that your fob transmits to the vehicle to let it know that you're trying to unlock or start it. They transmit that signal to the key transponder in your car, which then sends back an encryption code that informs it to open the doors or start the engine. This code is identical as the one you've got on your key fob, so the car is convinced that it's a valid signal from your key fob.
Then, the thief can copy that code, transfer it onto a blank key and then leave with your car. It's also a relatively cost-effective procedure. These devices are small enough to slip into pockets and can be bought on the internet for around $3,000 or less. What can you do to protect yourself from 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 out of sight when you're not in your car. The most important thing to keep in mind is to, always lock up your car. Even if you're just 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 not surprising that the number of vehicles stolen by sophisticated thieves employing advanced technologies is at an all-time record high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are clever and have come up with some clever ways to rob vehicles. The good news is that security experts are also trying to keep up, so it's never been more simple to protect yourself from keyless theft.
A signal jammer is a more sophisticated trick that uses 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 has the key fob. This method could become more popular in the near future, even though there isn't any evidence to suggest that it is currently used widely.
Another more sinister trick involves hacking into the system more info of your car and stealing data from the car. This is why it's crucial to make sure your vehicle has the latest software updates. Thieves are able to log into the owner's app and start the car from there, without needing the key fob at all. It is worth reprogramming the keys if you recently purchased a used car.
If you are able, you could also deter thieves by parking in garages. This won't hinder thieves from taking your car, but it will make their task more difficult, as they will need to find ways to gain access to the computer in the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last seven digits onto the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it more difficult 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. These cameras can be used as a smart video-doorbell, and are an excellent option to monitor your car when it is parking outside. If you have a driveway, you could also consider a security floodlight that integrates with these cameras. This will notify you if there is any movement in your driveway, and deter thieves who might attempt to remove cars from the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers are now replacing the physical key with a proximity key that transmits signals which can be used to open and start your car. But criminals have created technology to hack into these systems which allows them to take cars away without using the fob or even a button on the key pad.
Researchers have come up with a novel theft technique that involves what they call an 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 vehicles that do not have keys.
To take on a car with an attack on the CAN bus, thieves need to be able to intercept the signals from the car's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was created to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves can gain access to it by inserting a cable. This allows thieves to read the car's computer's code that it uses to unlock and start your car.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds to duplicate the signal of a vehicle using an online-based device that costs less than $100, Shlisel says. The crook will simply walk into your vehicle and take away.
In the past, criminals have hacked into vehicles by stealing the radio signal that is used by the car's key fob to communicate with the onboard system. These crooks use devices that are able to take the signal then amplify it and transmit it to another device to clone the key fob's cryptographic codes. The crook can then unlock your car, turn it on and leave with the contents.
As car security experts warn, the threat of keyless theft is growing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. However, even if you do not have a keyless-entered vehicle, you should be careful especially when parking in a public space. Experts advise that you park your vehicle overnight in a garage, or at least somewhere with good security such as motion detection lights and CCTV.
It is also recommended to remove valuables from your vehicle, such as mobile phones or Sat Navs. Also, you should lock your car doors and consider engraving the last seven digits of your vehicle's identification number onto your headlights or windows.