Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry

Many modern cars have keyless entry systems, allowing drivers to open their car and start it without the requirement for traditional metal keys. The technology is being used by thieves.

The thieves make use of simple devices that are accessible online to capture signals that are sent by the fob to the car. This allows them to drive away in a matter of seconds, open the car, and then start it.

The Relay Attack

A criminal may simply stand by your vehicle and employ a device to intercept the signal of the key fob. When you pull your door handle the key fob sends a challenge 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 then unlocks the car. The criminal then has the option to jump in, press the start button and drive away. The entire process can be completed in less than minutes, and there is no need to force entry.

This technique, known as a "relay attack", can be used with a variety of different models. The good thing is that the technology that makes this type of hack possible can be easily bought online. This means that virtually all vehicles can be hackable.

The most popular kind of vehicle targeted by criminals is a high-end Range Rover. However, any car with keyless entry is also at risk. It's important to remember that criminals don't really care in the car itself, but rather the valuable items like cash and electronic devices inside.

One of the most effective methods to avoid this kind of theft is by not leaving valuables in your car. If you must leave them in the car, secure them in the trunk or glove box. You can also park your car between a less appealing vehicle and your garage in order to discourage thieves. Or, you can use a steering-wheel lock to stop thieves from starting the engine.

If you're concerned about your luxury vehicle being targeted, then you might want to considering investing in an alarm. This won't stop criminals from stealing a vehicle but it will increase the odds that police can recover and return it.

While this isn't a new method of theft, the fact that it can be accomplished so quickly and easily has caused a lot of concern amongst motorists. It's a game between security professionals and thieves and as technology advances and evolve, so will criminal tactics. Luckily, you can take some simple steps to stop car theft with keyless entry.

The Transponder Attack

If you use the key fob to start and lock your vehicle, the computer inside the vehicle receives a radio signal which informs it that your keys are near. However, crooks have found ways to hack this system, which allows them to start the car without having to hold the key in their hands.

The thieves use devices that amplify the faint signal your fob transmits to the car every time you attempt to unlock it or start it. The thieves transmit this signal to the key transponder of the car, which sends back a code telling the car to open the doors or start the motor. This code is identical as the one you've got on your key fob, which means the car thinks it's a valid signal from your key fob.

The criminal will then take this code, clone the blank key and then drive off with your vehicle. It's an inexpensive method as well. These devices are small enough to slide into a pocket, and can be purchased on the internet for around $3,000 or less. How can you safeguard yourself from 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 methods include hiding all electrical items and securing valuables when you are not in your car. The most important thing to remember is to, always lock up your car. Even if you're just going away for a short period of time.

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

The Flat Battery Attack

Car thieves are a resourceful group and have come up with some clever ways to get in and steal vehicles. It's important to know that security experts are working hard to keep pace making it easier than ever to protect yourself against keyless theft.

One of the most sophisticated methods involves a device called a signal jammer, which emits at the same frequency as your key fob. This device can be placed in the pocket of the burglar or left in the driveway to prevent the car from being locked when the owner uses their key fob. While there's no evidence this method is widely used at the moment however, it may become more widespread in the near future.

Another more sinister trick involves hacking into the system of your car and stealing data from the car. This is why it's essential to make sure your vehicle has the latest software updates. The thieves can log into the owner's app and start the vehicle from there, without the necessity of an ignition key. If you've recently bought an used car, think about getting the keys reprogrammed to make it harder.

You can also deter thieves by parking your vehicle in a garage, if possible. It's not going to hinder thieves from taking your car however it will make their job more difficult since they'll need a means to access the computer in the vehicle. It's also worth thinking about etching the last seven digits of your VIN on to the mirrors, windows and headlights. This makes it harder for anyone to change the vehicle's identity in the future.

It's also a good idea to install an alarm system for security like the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These cameras can be used as a smart video-doorbell and are a great option to monitor your car when it is parking outside. You can also consider a security light that works with the cameras in the event that you have a driveway. This will alert you if there is any movement in your driveway and deter thieves who try to lift cars from the street.

The Stolen Key

Many car makers are replacing the physical key with a proximity key that transmits signals that allows you to open and start your car. But criminals have developed technology to hack into those systems, allowing them to steal cars without using the fob or the button on the keypad.

The latest theft technique involves the use of what's known as a CAN bus attack, or controller area network attack. The CAN bus is the system that allows various components of the vehicle to communicate with each the other, and it's the most sophisticated security threat to keyless cars.

To attack a vehicle using a CAN-bus attack, thieves must intercept the signals coming from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port is designed for the use of professional diagnostic tools, however it is also accessible to thieves by inserting a specific cable into it. This allows thieves to read the car's computer's code that it uses to unlock and begin your car.

It can take 20 to 30 seconds to copy the vehicle's signal with an online-based device that costs less than $100, Shlisel says. The criminal will then get into your vehicle and drive it off.

Criminals have in the past in the past hacked into cars using hijacked radio signals that are used by the key fob of the car to connect with its onboard system. The crooks use devices to collect the signal and amplify it, then transmit it to a second device to copy the key fob's encryption code. The crook is then able to unlock your vehicle, start it and drive off with the contents.

Security experts in the field of car security warn that the danger of theft through keyless keys increases as more vehicles are fitted with the technology. Even if you don't have a vehicle that is keyless-entered you must be cautious especially when parking in public spaces. Experts recommend that you park your car overnight in a garage or at least somewhere with good security like motion detection lights and CCTV.

In addition the best thing you can do is to keep a clear of your car keys stolen but not car car - taking away valuable items such as Sat Navs or mobile phones. Also, you should lock your car doors and consider engraving the last seven digits of your vehicle identification number onto your headlights or windows.