Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
A lot of newer cars have keyless entry systems that allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without using traditional keys made of metal. The technology is being abused by thieves.
Thieves are using simple equipment available online to capture the signal that the fob sends to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it and drive off in just a few seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal may simply stand by your vehicle and employ a device to intercept the signal sent by the key fob. The key fob sends a signal to the device of the criminal that tells it the response. The criminal can then enter the vehicle, press the starter button and drive away. The entire process can be completed in just minutes, and there's no need to forcibly enter.
This technique is referred to as a relay attack, and it is a possibility on a variety of models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hacking possible can be easily bought online. This means that nearly all cars can be hacked.
The most well-known type of vehicle targeted is a high-end Range Rover, but any vehicle that has a keyless entry system is at risk. It's important to remember that criminals aren't necessarily interested in the car itself, but rather the valuable things inside such as electronic devices and cash inside.
One of the most effective ways to prevent this type of theft is by not leaving valuables in your car. If you have to leave them in the car, secure them in the trunk or glove box. You can also park your car between a 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 getting the engine started.
If you're worried about a high-end vehicle being targeted, it's worth looking into an alarm. It won't stop criminals from stealing your car, but it will increase the chances of the police being able to retrieve and return it.
While this isn't a new form of theft however the possibility of it being done so quickly and easily has caused alarm among car owners. It's a game of cat and mouse between security professionals and thieves, and as technology continues to advance, so too will criminal tactics. Luckily, you can take some simple steps to prevent car theft by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to lock and start the vehicle, it sends a radio signal to the vehicle's computer which informs it that your keys are close by. 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 weak signal that your fob sends the car when you try to unlock it or start it. They transmit that signal to the key transponder in your car and it then transmits an encryption code that instructs it to open the doors or start the engine. This code is similar to the one on your key fob so the car is convinced that it's coming from the key fob.
The thief will use that code to copy it onto a blank key and then leave with your vehicle. It's also a relatively affordable process. These devices are small enough to slide into pockets and can be bought online for around $3,000 or less. So, how can you protect yourself against the dangers of these devices? Simple defences include placing your keys in a faraday enclosure or keeping them in the refrigerator when you are at home.
Other methods include engraving the last seven digits of your VIN on the windows on the rear and front, making sure all electrical devices are covered, and ensuring that valuables are out of sight when you're not in your car. The most important thing to do is make sure you always, ensure that you lock your car, even if it's just for a few minutes.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, keyless entry vehicle theft is becoming a major issue. It's no wonder, given 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 creative group and have come up with clever ways to gain access and take 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 sophisticated method that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. It can be put in the pocket of a thief, or hidden somewhere in the drive. It stops the car from unlocking when the owner uses the key fob. Although there's no evidence that this method is widely used at the moment however, it may become more widespread in the future.
Hacking the car's software is another more dangerous technique. This is why you should make sure that your vehicle has the most up-to-date software updates. Thieves are able to log into the owner's app and begin to start the car from there, without needing the key fob. Consider having the keys reprogrammed if you recently purchased a used car.
If possible, you can also stop thieves from entering garages. Although this won't hinder them from stealing your vehicle, it can make here their job much harder since they'll have to find an access point to the computer in your car. Consider writing the VIN's last seven digits on the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it more difficult for thieves to change the identity of the vehicle.
It's also worth installing an alarm system that is secure such as those available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. They can also serve as a smart video doorbell, and can be a great tool to monitor your car's location when it's sitting outside. If you have a driveway you can even think about a security floodlight that integrates with these cameras. This will notify you if there is any movement in your driveway and discourage thieves who may attempt to remove cars from the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers have replaced the physical key with the proximity key, which transmits signals and can begin and open your car. But criminals have created technology to hack into those systems and take cars away without using the fob or the button on the keypad.
The latest theft method is using what researchers call the CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows different parts of the car to communicate with each other, and it is the most sophisticated threat against keyless cars.
To target a vehicle with an attack using a CAN bus the thieves must take over the signals coming from the car's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was developed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves are able to gain access to it by inserting an unprotected cable. This permits thieves to read your computer's code that is in your car, which is what it is used to unlock and start your car.
Shlisel claims it will take between 20 and 30 seconds to replicate the signal of a car using a device available online for less than $100. The criminal will then get into your vehicle and drive it off.
In the past, criminals have attempted to hack into vehicles through hijacking the radio signal used by the key fob of the car to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks use devices to capture the signal then amplify it and transmit it to another device to duplicate the key fob's encryption code. The crook is then able to unlock your car, turn it on and drive off with the contents.
Experts in car security warn that the risk of keyless theft grows as more vehicles are fitted with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, you should still be cautious, especially if you park in a public area. Experts recommend parking your vehicle in a garage overnight or at an area that has adequate security for your home, such as CCTV or motion-detection lighting.
Aside from that the most effective option is to keep clutter out of your vehicle - taking away valuable items such as Sat Navs or mobile phones. Moreover, you should make sure to secure your car's doors and think about etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number onto your windows or headlights.