Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
A lot of newer cars have keyless entry systems which allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without using traditional metal keys. The technology is being abused by thieves.
The thieves employ simple tools 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 minutes.
The Relay Attack
A criminal could simply sit by your car and employ a device to intercept the signal sent by the key fob. When you pull your door handle the key fob broadcasts an alert that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device transmits this message back to the key fob, luring it into thinking that its owner is nearby and unlocking the car. The criminal can then jump into the car and push the starter button, and leave the vehicle. The entire process could be completed in a matter of minutes and requires no forced entry.
This technique is referred to as a relay attack, and it can be used on a variety of different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible is affordable and easy to buy on the internet. This means that nearly all cars can be hacked.
The most well-known type of vehicle targeted is a luxury Range Rover, but any keyless entry car is at risk. It's important to remember that criminals aren't necessarily interested in the vehicle itself, but instead the valuable items inside, such as cash and electronic devices inside.
One of the best ways to prevent this type of theft is to avoid leaving valuables in your car. If you have to leave them in the car, put them in a lock in the trunk or glove box. You could also park your car between a less appealing vehicle and your garage to discourage thieves. Also, you can employ a lock for the steering wheel to stop thieves from getting the engine started.
Trackers are a good option if you're worried about your luxury vehicle being targeted. It's not going to stop criminals from stealing your car, but it will increase the chances of police being able to retrieve and return it.
Although this isn't an entirely new type of theft however the fact that it can be done so swiftly and easily has caused a lot of concern amongst motorists. It's a game between security experts and thieves, and as technology advances as well, so do the methods used by criminals. Luckily, you can take some simple steps to prevent car theft with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to open and lock your car, the computer in the vehicle receives a radio signal that tells it your keys are in close proximity. Hackers have discovered ways to hack into the system to start the car without keys.
To do this, criminals have been using devices to amplify the typically faint message that your fob transmits to the car to inform it that you're trying to open the doors or start it. The thieves transmit this message to the key transponder of the car, and it sends back a code that tells the car whether to open doors or turn on the motor. The code is the same as the one you've got on your key fob, therefore the car believes it's a valid signal from your key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, duplicate the blank key, and drive off with your vehicle. It's an inexpensive method as well. These devices are small enough to slide into your pocket and can be bought on the internet for $3,000 or less. How can you safeguard yourself from these devices? Simple defences include placing your keys in a faraday cage or placing them in the refrigerator when you're at home.
Other options include putting away all electrical devices and keeping valuables hidden website even when you're not in your car. But perhaps the most important thing to do is make sure you always, always lock your car, even if it's just 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 cars stolen by sophisticated thieves using advanced technologies is at a record high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a resourceful bunch and have come up with some clever ways to gain access and steal vehicles. The good news is that security experts are also striving to keep up with the times, so it's never been easier to safeguard yourself from keyless theft.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated device that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. This can be sat 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. This technique could be more popular in the future even though there is no evidence to suggest it is currently used widely.
Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the car's system This is why it's crucial to ensure that your car has the latest software updates. The thieves could log into the app of the owner and then start the car from there without the requirement for a key fob. It is worth reprogramming the keys when you recently bought an used car.
You can also help deter thieves by parking your vehicle in garages, if it is possible. This might not prevent thieves from stealing your car, but it will make their job more difficult since they will need to find ways to gain access to the computer of the vehicle. You could consider etching the VIN's last seven digits on the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it difficult for thieves to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It's also a good idea to install a security system like the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These cameras can also be used as a smart video-doorbell and are a great method of monitoring your vehicle when it is parking outside. You could also think about a security light that can work with the cameras if you have driveway. This will alert you if there is any movement in your driveway, and deter thieves who might try to lift cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers now replace the physical key with a proximity key that allows you to open and start your car. Criminals have developed technology that allows them to hack these systems and steal vehicles without fobs or a button on the keypad.
Researchers have devised a brand new method of theft that is based on what they call a CAN attack, also known as a controller network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows various parts of the vehicle to communicate with each the other, and it's the most sophisticated security threat to keyless cars.
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 is intended to be used by professional diagnostic tools, but it is accessible to thieves by inserting a specific cable into it. This permits thieves to gain access to the computer code used to unlock and start the vehicle.
Shlisel claims it will take between 20-30 seconds to replicate the signal of a vehicle with a device available online for less than $100. Afterwards, the crook can simply enter your car and take away.
In the past, criminals have attempted to hack into vehicles by hijacking the radio signal used by the key fob of the car to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks employ devices that can take the signal then amplify it and transmit it to another device that can clone the key fob's cryptographic number. This allows the crooks to unlock your car and start it up, and after that it's a matter of driving off with whatever is inside.
Experts in car security warn that the danger of theft via keyless locks increases as more vehicles are fitted with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, it is still advisable to be aware, particularly if you park 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.
You should also take away valuables from your vehicle, such as mobile phones or Sat Navs. In addition, you must make sure to close your car doors and consider etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number onto your headlights or windows.