15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring 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 and start their vehicle without the need for traditional keys made of metal. The technology is being used by thieves.
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 drive away in a matter of seconds, then open the car, and then start it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal just stands by your car with a device that can capture the key fob's signal. When you pull the door handle the key fob broadcasts an alarm that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device beams this signal back to the key fob, fooling it into thinking its owner is nearby and unlocking the car. The criminal is then able to jump in, press the start button and drive away. The entire procedure can be completed in less than minutes, and there's no requirement to forcibly enter.
This method, also known as a "relay attack" is a method that can be utilized with many different models. The good news is that the technology that makes this kind of hack possible is cheap and readily available online. This means that almost every car can be hacked.
The most popular kind of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is a premium Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless access is also at risk. Be aware that criminals are not focused on the car it self, but in the valuable things inside such as electronic gadgets and cash.
The easiest way to prevent this type of theft is to ensure that you don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave them in the car, lock them away in the glove box or trunk. You could also park your car between another less desirable vehicle and your garage to discourage thieves. Also, you can utilize a steering-wheel lock to stop criminals from starting the engine.
If you're concerned about a high-end vehicle being targeted, then it might be worth considering investing in an alarm. It won't stop criminals from stealing a vehicle but it increases the likelihood that police will recover it and return it.
It's not an original type of theft but the ease and speed with the way it can be carried out has caused a lot of concern among car owners. It's a game between security experts and thieves, and as technology continues to advance as well, so do the methods used by criminals. You can take a few easy measures to prevent car thefts by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use the key fob to start or lock your car, the computer in the vehicle receives a radio alert which informs it that your keys are in close proximity. But crooks have discovered ways to hack into this system, which allows them to start the vehicle without holding the key in their hand.
To do this, thieves have been using devices that enhance the normal message that your fob transmits to the vehicle to let it know that you're trying to open the doors or start it. They transmit that signal to the key transponder of the car which in turn sends back an encrypted code that tells it whether to open the doors or start the engine. This code is the same as the one on your key fob, which means the car thinks it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The thief will then take this code, duplicate the key blank and then drive off with your vehicle. It's a fairly inexpensive process, too. These devices can be bought on the internet for less than $3,000 and are small enough to fit into pockets. So, how do you protect yourself against the threat of these devices? A few simple ways to protect yourself are placing your keys in a Faraday cage, or even leaving them in the fridge when you're at home.
Other options include engraving the last seven digits of your VIN on the front and rear windows and ensuring that all electrical devices are covered, and ensuring that valuables are away from view when you're not in your vehicle. The most important thing is to make sure you always, make sure to lock your car even if it's only for a few minutes.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, keyless entry car theft is a growing problem. It's not surprising that the number of vehicles stolen by sophisticated thieves employing advanced technologies is at a peak.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are clever and have come up with some clever ways to rob cars. The good news is that security experts are trying to keep up with the times, so it's never been more simple to safeguard yourself from theft of keys.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated device that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. This device can be placed in the pocket of the criminal or left in the driveway to stop the car from being locked when the owner uses their key fob. This technique could be more popular in the 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 of your car, which is why it's important to make sure your vehicle has the latest software updates. Thieves could then log in to the owner's app and start the car there, without needing the key fob at all. If you recently purchased a secondhand car, consider changing the keys to make this more difficult.
If you can, you can also deter thieves by parking in garages. It's not going to hinder thieves from taking your vehicle however it will make their job more difficult since they will need to find a read more means to access the computer of the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last 7 digits on the windows, headlights, and mirrors. This will make it harder for thieves to change the vehicle's identity.
It's also a good idea to install an alarm system that is secure such as those available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. They can also function as a smart video doorbell and are a great way to monitor your car when it's in a parking space outside. If you have a driveway, you can even look into a security floodlight which is compatible with these cameras. It will notify you when there is any movement in your driveway, and deter thieves who attempt to remove cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car makers have replaced the physical key with a proximity key that transmits a signal and can start and unlock your car. But criminals have developed technology to hack into these systems, allowing them to steal cars without using the fob or a button on the key pad.
The most recent theft method involves using what's known as the CAN bus attack, also known as a controller area network attack. The CAN bus system permits different components of a vehicle to communicate, and is the most sophisticated attack against vehicles that do not have keys.
To take on a car with an attack using a CAN bus the thieves must intercept the signals from the car's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port is designed to be used by professionals diagnostic tools, but it is also accessible to criminals by putting a special cable into it. This allows thieves to access the computer code that is used to unlock and start the car.
Shlisel claims it will take between 20-30 seconds to replicate the signal of a vehicle with an online device that costs less than $100. The crook will simply enter your car and drive away.
Criminals have gained entry into vehicles by hijacking radio signals used by the key fob of the car to connect with the onboard system. The crooks employ devices that take the signal, amplify it, and transmit it to a different device to clone the key fob's cryptographic codes. This allows the crooks to unlock your car and start it up, and then it's just a matter of leaving with the contents inside.
Security experts in the field of car security warn that the danger of theft via keyless locks increases as more vehicles are fitted with the technology. However, even if you do not possess a car with a keyless entry system it is important to be aware, especially when parking in a public area. Experts advise parking your car in a garage for a night or in a place that offers adequate security for your home, such as CCTV and motion-detection lighting.
It is also recommended to remove valuables from your vehicle, including mobile phones or Sat Navs. Additionally, you should be sure that you lock your car doors, and think about etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number onto your windows or headlights.