Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry

Many of the latest vehicles have keyless entry systems which allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without using traditional metal keys. The technology is being exploited by thieves.

Thieves are using simple equipment accessible online to record the signal sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to leave in a matter of seconds, unlock the car and start it.

The Relay Attack

A criminal just stands near your car, using an instrument that can record the key fob's signal. When you pull your door handle, the key fob transmits an alert that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device beams this signal back to the key fob, luring it into thinking the owner is nearby and unlocking the car. The criminal is then able to get into the car, press the starter button and leave the vehicle. The entire process can be completed in a matter of minutes, and there's no need to force entry.

This method is referred to as a relay attack, and it is a possibility on many different models. The good news is that the technology that makes this type of hack feasible is inexpensive and easily available online. This means that almost all vehicles are vulnerable.

The most common kind of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is the premium Range Rover. However, any car that has keyless entry is also at risk. Be aware that criminals aren't interested in the vehicle in itself, but rather the valuable items inside, such as cash and electronic gadgets.

The best way to avoid this kind of theft is to not 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 could also consider parking your vehicle between a less coveted vehicle and your garage to discourage thieves, or use a steering wheel lock to prevent the criminal from starting the engine.

If you're concerned about your high-end vehicle being targeted, it's worth taking a look at an alarm. It won't stop criminals from stealing your car but it will increase the chances of the police being able to recover and return it.

This isn't a new type of theft, but the ease and speed with the way it can be carried out has caused a lot of concern among motorists. It's a cat-and-mouse game between security professionals and thieves and as technology advances and evolve, so will the methods used by criminals. Fortunately you can take easy steps to avoid car theft using keyless entry.

The Transponder Attack

When you use your key fob to start and lock your vehicle, the computer inside the vehicle receives a radio message that tells it your keys are near. However, crooks have found ways to hack this system which allows them to start the vehicle without holding the key in their hand.

The thieves employ devices that amplify the faint signal your fob sends the car when you attempt to unlock it or start it. The thieves then relay this message to the key transponder in the car, and it sends back a code that tells the car to open the doors or start the motor. This code is similar to the one you have on your key fob, so the car thinks it's coming from the key fob.

The thief will then take this code, clone the key blank and then drive off with your vehicle. It's also a fairly inexpensive procedure. These devices can be purchased online for less than $3,000 and are small enough to fit into pockets. What can you do to protect yourself from these devices? Simple defenses include putting your keys in a faraday cage, or placing them in the refrigerator when at home.

Other measures include making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on the windows in the rear and front, making sure all electrical devices are covered and ensuring that valuables are away from view when not in your vehicle. But perhaps the most important thing is to ensure that you ensure that you lock your car, even if only for a short time.

According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are increasing. It's no wonder, given the number of cars being stolen by savvy thieves using the latest technology at an all-time high.

The Flat Battery Attack

Car thieves are a resourceful bunch, and they've come up with clever ways to gain access and steal vehicles. It's important to be aware that security experts are at work to keep up with the times making it more secure than ever to defend yourself from theft of keys.

One of the most sophisticated methods involves a device known as a signal jammer which emits at the same frequency as your key fob. It can be placed in read more the pocket of a thief, or left somewhere in the drive and prevents the car from unlocking when the owner is using the key fob. This method could be more popular in the near future, even though there's no evidence that it is currently widely used.

Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the system of your car, which is why it's crucial to ensure that your car has the most recent software updates. Thieves could then log in to the owner's app and begin to start the car there, without the need for a key fob in any way. If you recently purchased a used car, you should consider having the keys reprogrammed to make it harder.

You can also assist in preventing thieves by putting your car in garages, if you can. While this may not prevent them from stealing the vehicle, it can make their job a lot more difficult as they'll need to find an access point to the computer in your car. It's also worth thinking about etching the seven digits that make up your VIN onto the mirrors, windows, and headlights, since this will make it much more difficult for anyone to change the identity of the vehicle in the future.

It's also a good idea to install an alarm system for security such as those available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. They can also serve as an intelligent video doorbell and are a great way to monitor your car when it's in a parking space outside. It is also possible to consider the use of a security light with the cameras in the event that you have a driveway. This will alert 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 traditional key with a proximity key that sends a signal and can start and open your car. Criminals have developed technology that allows them to hack these systems and steal cars without the fob or button on the keypad.

The most recent theft method involves using what researchers call a CAN bus attack, or controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows different components of the car to communicate with each with each other, and is the most sophisticated attack against keyless cars.

To attack a car using an attack using a CAN bus the thieves must take over the signals coming from the vehicle's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port was developed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, criminals can access it by putting in an unprotected cable. This permits thieves to gain access to the computer code that is used to unlock and start the car.

Shlisel claims that it can take between 20-30 seconds to copy the signal of a car using the device, which is available online for less than $100. After that, the criminal can simply walk into your vehicle and take away.

Criminals have in the past gained entry into vehicles by hijacking radio signals used by key fob of the car to communicate with its onboard system. The hackers use devices that take the signal and amplify it before they transmit it to a different device to copy the key fob's cryptographic codes. The crook will then be able to unlock your vehicle, start it and leave with the contents.

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 car isn't keyless, you should still be vigilant, especially when you park it in a public space. Experts recommend parking your vehicle in a garage overnight or at an area that has good home security - such as CCTV and motion-detection lighting.

You should also remove valuables from your vehicle, such as mobile phones or Sat Navs. You should also secure your car's doors and think about engraving the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number on your windows or headlights.