Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry?
Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry?
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Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many newer cars feature keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open their car and start it without the requirement for traditional metal keys. However, thieves are taking advantage of this technology.
The thieves make use of simple devices that are accessible online to capture signals sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to get away in seconds, open the car, and then start it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing by your car with the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. When you pull your door handle the key fob sends a challenge that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device beams this signal back to the key fob, tricking it into thinking that its owner is nearby and unlocking the car. The criminal then can enter the vehicle and press the starter button, and drive off. The entire process can be completed in just minutes, and there is no requirement to force entry.
This technique is known as a relay attack, and it is a possibility on a variety of different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this kind of hack possible is cheap and easily available online. This means that almost all vehicles can be hackable.
The most well-known type of vehicle targeted is a high-end Range Rover, but any keyless entry vehicle is at risk. It is important to keep in mind that criminals aren't always interested in the vehicle itself, but instead the valuable items inside, such as electronic devices and cash inside.
One of the most effective ways to prevent this type of theft is by not leaving any valuables in your car. If you must leave them in your car, put them in a lock in the glove box or trunk. You could also try parking your car between a less coveted garage and your vehicle to deter thieves, or utilize a steering wheel lock to prevent the criminal from beginning the engine.
Trackers are an excellent option if you're worried about your high-end vehicle being targeted. It won't stop criminals from stealing a car, but will increase the odds that police will recover it and return it.
It's not a new type of theft, but the speed and ease at the way it can be carried out has raised concerns among car owners. It's a game of cat-and-mouse between security professionals and criminals and, as technology improves, so will criminal tactics. Fortunately you can take simple steps to stop 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 alert that tells it your keys are in close proximity. Hackers have discovered ways to hack the system and start the car without a key.
To accomplish this, thieves have been using devices to enhance the normal message that your fob sends to the vehicle to let it know that you're trying to open the doors or start it. The thieves then relay this message to the key transponder of the car, which sends back a code that instructs the car whether to open doors or turn on the motor. The code is the same as the one you have on your key fob, so the car thinks it's coming from the key fob.
The thief could copy that code, transfer it onto a blank key and then drive away with your car. It's a fairly inexpensive process as well. These devices are small enough to slide into pockets and are available get more info on the internet for $3,000 or less. So, how do you protect yourself against the threat of these devices? Simple defenses include putting your keys in a Faraday cage, or even putting them in the fridge while you're not at home.
Other options include engraving the last seven digits of your VIN on the front and rear windows as well as making sure that all electrical items are concealed, and ensuring that valuables are away from view when you're not in your vehicle. The most important thing to remember is to always ensure that you lock your vehicle. Even if you're just leaving it for a few minutes.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are increasing. It's not surprising that the number of vehicles stolen by sophisticated thieves employing advanced technologies is at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a savvy bunch, and they've come up with clever ways to gain access and steal vehicles. It's good to be aware that security experts are at work to keep pace making it more secure than ever to defend yourself from theft via keyless keys.
One of the more sophisticated tricks involves a device known as a signal jammer which emits at the same frequency as your key fob. This device can be placed in the pocket of the burglar or tucked away in the driveway to stop the car from being locked when the owner uses their key fob. This method could be more popular in the coming years even though there isn't any evidence to suggest it is currently in use.
Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the system of your car This is why it's essential to ensure that your car has the latest software updates. The thieves can log into the app of the owner and then start the car from there, without the need for an ignition key. If you've recently bought a used car, you should consider having the keys reprogrammed to make this more difficult.
If possible, you can also deter thieves by parking in garages. This won't hinder thieves from taking your car however it will make their job much more difficult as they will need to find ways to gain access to the computer in the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last 7 digits on the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it difficult for thieves to change the identity of the vehicle.
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 when it's sitting outside. You can also consider a security light that can work with the cameras if you have driveway. This will alert you to any movement in your driveway and will help discourage thieves from trying to lift cars off of the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers now replace the physical key with a proximity key that can open and start your car. Criminals have created technology that allows them to hack these systems and steal cars without the fob or button on the keypad.
The latest theft method is using what researchers call a CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows different parts of the vehicle to communicate with each the other, and it's the most sophisticated threat against keys-less vehicles.
To take on a vehicle with an attack on the CAN-bus, thieves must intercept the signals coming from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port is intended for the use of professional diagnostic tools, but it is also accessible to thieves by inserting a specific cable into it. This allows thieves to read the computer's code that is in your car that it uses to unlock and begin your vehicle.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds to copy the signal of a vehicle using an online-based device that costs less than a hundred dollars, Shlisel says. Afterwards, the crook can simply enter your car and drive it away.
Criminals have in the past gained entry into vehicles by hijacking radio signals that are used by the key fob of the car to communicate with its onboard system. The crooks employ devices that detect the signal, 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 take off with the contents.
Security experts in the field of car security warn that the danger of theft via keyless locks increases as more models are equipped with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, you should still be aware, particularly when parking in a public space. Experts recommend parking your vehicle in a garage for the night or in a location with good home security - like CCTV and motion detection lighting.
Aside from that the most effective option is to keep a clear of your car - removing valuables like Sat navigation systems or mobile phones. In addition, you must make sure to secure your car's doors and consider etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identity Number on your car's headlights or windows.