Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many modern cars have keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open their car and start it without the requirement for traditional metal keys. The technology is being abused by thieves.
The thieves make use of simple equipment that is available online to capture signals sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to get away in seconds, open the car and begin it.
The Relay Attack
A criminal is simply standing near your car, using the help of a device that captures the key fob's signal. 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 beams this signal back to the key fob, fooling it into thinking its owner is in the vicinity and unlocking the car. The criminal is then able to enter, press the start button and drive away. The entire procedure can be completed in a matter of minutes, and there's no need to make entry difficult.
This method, also known as a "relay attack" is a method that can be utilized with a variety of different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible is affordable and readily available online. That means almost all cars are vulnerable.
The most common type of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is the high-end Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless entry is also at risk. Be aware that criminals are not interested in the vehicle in itself, but rather the valuable things inside such as electronic gadgets and cash.
One of the easiest ways to prevent this type of theft is by not leaving valuables in your vehicle. If you have to leave them in your car, put them in a lock in the glove box or trunk. You can also park your car between a vehicle that isn't as desirable and your garage in order to deter thieves. Also, you can utilize a steering-wheel lock to stop criminals from starting the engine.
If you're worried about a high-end vehicle being targeted, then you might want to considering investing in a tracker. It won't stop criminals from stealing your vehicle, but it will increase the odds of the police being able to retrieve and return it.
While this isn't a new type of theft, the fact that it can be accomplished so quickly and easily has raised alarm among motorists. It's a game of cat-and-mouse between security professionals and criminals, and as technology advances and criminal strategies evolve, so do the tactics. It is possible to take a few simple measures to avoid car thefts with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
If you use the key fob to start and lock your car, the computer in the vehicle receives a radio alert that tells it your keys are near. Hackers have found ways to hack the system and start the car without a key.
The thieves employ devices that amplify the faint signal that your fob sends the car when you try to unlock it or start it. They transmit that message to the key transponder in your car, which then sends back a cryptographic code that informs it to open the doors or start the engine. This code is identical as the one that's on your key fob, so the car thinks it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, copy the blank key and then drive off with your vehicle. It's a relatively cheap process as well. These devices can be bought on the internet for less than $3,000 and are small enough to be stuffed into pockets. What can you do to protect yourself from these devices? Some simple defences include putting your keys in a Faraday cage or even putting them in the fridge when you're not at home.
Other options include putting all electrical devices in a safe place and securing valuables when you are not in your car. The most important thing to remember is to always ensure that you lock your car. Even if you're going away for a short period of time.
According to research by Thatcham, keyless entry car theft is on the rise. It's not a surprise that the number of cars stolen by sophisticated thieves using the latest technologies is at an all-time record high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are inventive and have come up with some clever methods to steal vehicles. It's good to be aware that security experts are constantly working to keep pace, so it is easier than ever before to secure yourself from theft of keys.
One of the most sophisticated techniques involves a gadget known as a signal jammer that emits the same frequency as your key fob. It can be put in the pocket of a thief, or left somewhere in the drive. It stops the car from unlocking when the owner uses the key fob. While there's no evidence this method is widely used at the moment however, it may be more prevalent in the near future.
Hacking the car's software is yet another more dangerous method. This is why you should always make sure that your car has the most recent software updates. The thieves are able to access the app of the owner and start the vehicle from there, without the requirement for the key fob. If you've recently bought a used car, you should consider changing the keys to make it more difficult.
You can also deter thieves by putting your car in a garage, if possible. This might not stop thieves from stealing your car, but it will make their job more difficult, as they will have to find a means to access the computer of the vehicle. It's also worth considering etching the last seven digits of your VIN on the mirrors, windows, and headlights, since this will make it more difficult for anyone to change the vehicle's identity in the future.
It's also worthwhile to consider installing a security system like the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These can also double up as a smart video doorbell and click here can be a great tool to keep an eye on your car while it's parked outside. It is also possible to consider a security light that can work with the cameras when you have a driveway. This will notify you of any movement in your driveway and will help discourage thieves from attempting to lift cars off the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers now replace the physical key with a proximity key that transmits signals that can open and start your car. Criminals have developed technology that enables them to hack into these systems and steal vehicles without fobs or a button on the keypad.
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 is the system that allows different parts of the car to communicate with one with each other, and is the most sophisticated attack against keys-less vehicles.
To attack a car using 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 designed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, criminals can access it by inserting cables. This allows thieves to read your computer's code that is in your car which it is used to unlock and start your vehicle.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds to copy the signal of a vehicle using a device sold online for less than $100, Shlisel says. After that, the criminal can simply walk into your vehicle and take it away.
In the past, criminals have hacked into vehicles through hijacking the radio signal that is used by the key fob of the car to communicate with the onboard system. The criminals employ devices to capture the signal and amplify it, transmit it to another device to clone key fob's encryption code. This allows the crooks to unlock your car and then start it up, and after that it's as simple as leaving with the contents inside.
As experts in car security warn, the danger of keyless theft is growing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. Even if your car is not keyless, you should still be vigilant, especially if you park in a public space. Experts suggest parking your vehicle in a garage for the night, or at least a place that offers adequate security for your home, like CCTV and motion detection lighting.
You should also remove valuables from your vehicle, like mobile phones or Sat Navs. Also, you should secure your car's doors and think about engraving the last seven digits on the vehicle identification number on your headlights or windows.