Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry

A lot of newer cars have keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their vehicle without using traditional metal keys. However criminals are taking advantage of the technology.

The thieves use simple tools that are accessible online to capture signals that are sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it and drive off in seconds.

The Relay Attack

A criminal just stands in front of your car using an instrument that can record the key fob's signal. When you pull your door handle the key fob sends an alert that asks "are you the owner of this vehicle?" The criminal's device beams this signal back to the key fob, tricking it into thinking that its owner is nearby and unlocking the car. The criminal is then able to jump into the car and push the starter button, and drive away. The entire process can take just minutes and involves no need for force entry.

This technique, 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 type of hack feasible is inexpensive and easy to buy online. This means that virtually all cars can be hacked.

The most common kind of vehicle that is targeted by criminals is the premium Range Rover. However, any car with keyless access is also at risk. Be aware that criminals are not focused on the car in itself, but rather the valuable things inside such as electronic gadgets and cash.

One of the most effective ways to prevent this type of theft is to avoid leaving valuables in your car. If you have to leave them in a vehicle, make sure they're stored in a safe box or trunk. You can also park your car between a second less coveted vehicle and your garage to discourage thieves, or use a lock for your steering wheel to prevent the thief from beginning the engine.

Trackers are a good investment if you're concerned about your expensive car being targeted. It's not going to stop criminals from stealing your car however it can increase the odds of the police being able retrieve and return it.

It's not a new type of theft, but the ease and speed with the way it can be carried out has caused concern among motorists. It's a cat-and-mouse game between security experts and thieves, and as technology continues to advance, so too will the methods used by criminals. It is possible to take a few simple steps to stop car thefts using keyless entry.

The Transponder Attack

If you use your key fob to lock and start the vehicle, it sends an audio signal to the vehicle's computer which informs it that your keys are close by. But crooks have discovered ways to hack this system which can let them start the car without having to hold the key in their hand.

To do this, criminals have been using devices to amplify the typically faint message that your fob transmits to the vehicle to let it know that you're trying to unlock or start it. They then relay that message to the car's key transponder which in turn sends back an encrypted code that instructs it to open the doors or start the engine. The code is the same as the one you have on your key fob, so the car believes it's coming from your key fob.

The thief will then take this code, clone the blank key and then steal your vehicle. It's a fairly inexpensive process also. These devices are small enough to slip into pockets, and can be purchased on the internet for $3,000 or less. So, how can you safeguard yourself from the dangers of these devices? Simple defenses include putting your keys in a faraday cage, or placing them in the refrigerator when you are at home.

Other methods include hiding all electrical items and securing valuables even when you're not in your car. But perhaps the most important thing is to make sure you always, always lock your car, even if only for a few minutes.

According to research conducted by Thatcham, car thefts that involve keyless entry are on the rise. It's not surprising that the amount of vehicles burgled by sophisticated thieves employing advanced technologies is at an all-time high.

The Flat Battery Attack

Car thieves are inventive and have come up with clever ways to rob cars. It's important to know that security experts are constantly working to keep up with the times and make it easier than ever to protect yourself from theft via keyless keys.

One of the more sophisticated methods involves a device called a signal jammer, that emits the same frequency as your key fob. The device can be put in the pocket of the burglar or left in the driveway to stop the car from being unlocked when the owner uses their key fob. This method could become more popular in the coming years, even though there's no evidence that it is currently widely used.

Hacking the car's software is a more dangerous method. This is why you should always make sure that your car is running the latest software updates. Thieves can then log into the owner's account and start the car from there, without the need for a key fob in any way. It is worth reprogramming the keys in the event that you recently bought an used car.

If you are able, you could also deter thieves by parking in a garage. It's not going to hinder thieves from taking your car however it will make their task much more difficult as they will have to find an access point to the computer of the vehicle. Consider etching your VIN's last seven digits on the headlights, windows, and mirrors. This will make it harder for thieves to alter the vehicle's identity.

It's also worth installing a security camera like those offered by the likes of Ring, Amazon Blink and Google Nest. These can also double up as a smart video doorbell, and can be a great tool to monitor your car when it's sitting outside. If you have a driveway you could also look into a security floodlight which works with these cameras. This will notify you of any movements in your driveway. It can discourage thieves from trying to lift cars off the streets.

The Stolen Key

Many car makers have replaced the physical key with a proximity key that transmits signals and can begin and open your car. However, criminals have developed a way to hack into those systems, allowing them to steal cars without using the fob or even a button on the keypad.

The latest theft technique involves using what's known as the CAN bus attack, or controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows different parts of the vehicle to communicate with each other, and it is the most sophisticated attack against keyless cars.

To take on a car with an attack more info on the CAN bus, thieves need to be able to intercept the signals from the vehicle's onboard diagnostics port (OBD). This port is designed to be used by professionals diagnostic tools, however 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 an online device that costs less than $100. The criminal will then get into your vehicle and drive it away.

In the past, criminals have hacked into vehicles by hijacking the radio signal used by the car's key fob to communicate with the onboard system. The crooks make use of devices to collect the signal, amplify it, and then transmit it to a second device to duplicate the key fob's encryption code. This enables the crooks unlock your car and start it up, and after that it's just a matter of driving off with whatever is inside.

As experts in car security warn, the risk of theft via keyless locks is growing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. Even if you don't have a keyless-entered vehicle you must be cautious especially when parking in public spaces. Experts recommend that you park your vehicle for the night in a garage or at the very least, in a place that is secure, such as motion-detection lights and CCTV.

It is also recommended to remove valuables from your vehicle, including mobile phones or Sat Navs. It is also recommended to lock your car doors and consider engraving the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number on your headlights or windows.