Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest cars come with keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open and start their vehicle without the requirement for traditional keys made of metal. However criminals are taking advantage of this technology.
Thieves use simple devices that can be found online to capture the signal the fob transmits 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 can simply sit by your car and employ a device that can capture the signal of the key fob. When you pull the door handle the key fob sends an alarm that asks "are you the owner of this car?" The criminal's device beams this signal back to the key fob, tricking it into thinking that its owner is in the vicinity and unlocking the car. The criminal is then able to get inside, hit the start button, and drive away. The entire procedure can be completed in less than minutes, and there is no requirement to force entry.
This method is referred to as a relay attack, and it can be used on a variety of models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible is easily purchased on the internet. That means almost all cars are at risk.
The most popular type of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is the premium Range Rover. However, any car that has a keyless entry is also at risk. It's important to remember that criminals aren't necessarily interested in the car itself, but rather the valuable items inside, such as cash and electronic devices within.
The easiest way to prevent this type of theft is to not leave any 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 could also try parking your car between a second less sought-after vehicle and your garage to deter thieves, or use a steering wheel lock to stop the criminal from beginning the engine.
If you're concerned about a expensive vehicle being targeted it's worth considering investing in a tracker. It's not going to stop criminals from stealing your car, however it can increase the chances of the police being able recover and return it.
It's not an entirely new form of theft but the speed and ease at which it can be accomplished has caused concern among car owners. It's a game of cat-and-mouse between security professionals and criminals and, as technology advances, so will criminal tactics. It is possible to take a few simple measures to prevent car thefts with keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use your key fob to lock and start the car, it transmits an audio signal to the vehicle's computer which informs it that your keys are close by. Hackers have found ways to hack the system to start the car without keys.
The thieves employ devices that amplify the faint signal your fob transmits to the car every time you attempt to unlock it or start it. They transmit that message to the key transponder of the car which in turn sends back an encryption code that tells it whether to open the doors or start the engine. This code is identical as the one that's on your key fob, which means the car is convinced that it's a valid signal coming from your key fob.
The thief will then take this code, clone the blank key and then drive off with your vehicle. It's a fairly inexpensive process also. These devices can be purchased on the internet for less than $3,000 and are small enough to be stuffed into pockets. How can you protect yourself from these devices? Simple defenses include putting your keys in a Faraday-style cage or even leaving them stolen keys in the fridge when you're at home.
Other methods include putting all electrical devices in a safe place and keeping valuables out of sight even when you're not in your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind is to, always lock up your vehicle. Even if you're only going away for a short period of time.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are increasing. It's no wonder, with the number of vehicles being taken by smart thieves using the latest technology at an all-time high.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are a savvy bunch, and they've come up with clever ways to gain access and steal vehicles. It's good to be aware that security experts are constantly working to keep up making it easier than ever to protect yourself from theft via keyless keys.
A signal jammer is a more sophisticated trick that uses the same frequency as the key fob. This can be sat in the pocket of a thief, or left somewhere in the drive. It stops the car from unlocking when the owner has the key fob. This method may become more popular in the future, even though there is no evidence to suggest it is currently widely used.
Another more dangerous method involves hacking into the car's computer system, which is why it's important to ensure that your car has the most recent software updates. Thieves can then log into the owner's app and begin to start the car from there without requiring the key fob at all. If you recently purchased an used car, think about getting the keys reprogrammed to make it harder.
You can also assist in preventing thieves by putting your car in garages, if it is possible. This might not prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle however it will make their job much more difficult as they will have to find an access point to the computer in the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last 7 digits on the headlights, windows and mirrors. This will make it harder for thieves to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It's also worth installing a security system, such as 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 option to monitor your car when it is parking outside. If you have a driveway, you could also consider a security floodlight that is compatible with these cameras. It will notify you when there is any movement in your driveway and deter thieves who try to lift 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 open your car. Criminals have developed technology that enables them to hack these systems and steal cars that do not have fobs or button on the keypad.
The most recent theft method involves using what researchers call the CAN bus attack, or controller area network attack. The CAN bus system allows different parts of a car to communicate and is the most sophisticated attack against cars that are keyless.
To attack a car using a CAN bus attack, thieves need to be able to intercept the signals from the car's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port is intended for the use of professional diagnostic tools, but it is also accessible to criminals by putting a special cable into it. This allows thieves to read your computer's code that is in your car which it is used to unlock and start your vehicle.
Shlisel claims that it can take between 20 and 30 seconds to replicate the signal of a car using an online device that costs less than $100. After that, the criminal can simply enter your car and take away.
Criminals have in the past in the past hacked into cars using hijacked radio signals used by the key fob in the car to communicate with the onboard system. The hackers use devices that detect the signal then amplify it and transmit it to a different device to copy the key fob's cryptographic code. That enables the crook to unlock your car and then start it up, then it's as simple as taking off with the items inside.
As experts in car security warn, the risk of keyless theft is growing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. Even if your vehicle isn't keyless, you should still be vigilant, especially when you park it in a public place. Experts advise that you park your car overnight in a garage or at the very least, in a place with a good security system like motion detection lights and CCTV.
Apart from that the most effective thing you can do is to keep clutter of your vehicle, getting rid of valuables such as Sat navigation systems or mobile phones. In addition, you must make sure to close your car doors and consider etching the last seven numbers of your Vehicle Identification Number on your headlights or windows.