Keyless Entry and Car Theft

Car theft is on the rise and thieves have discovered new ways to gain access to vehicles. One of the most well-known methods is keyless entry.

The days of stealing cars by breaking windows and hotwiring them are long gone. Today, they can hack the computer systems of a vehicle in minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction of the technology known as Push-to-Start, millions of drivers have enjoyed the convenience of having the ability to start their vehicle without having to reach for a key. However, this same convenience makes vehicles more vulnerable. In particular, thieves have been able use a new technique called the relay attack to steal cars within seconds. This method uses an instrument to record and amplify the signal by your car's key fob, allowing thieves to unlock and drive away.

Relay attacks are a variation of an older technique known as Man-in the-Middle Attacks. This type of attack can be used in cybersecurity to intercept communication between two entities and alter it without knowing. In a relay attack the attacker uses an electronic device to record and transmit the signal from the fob of the key in your spare car key stolen to another device nearby. The second device can be used to open the door and start the engine, effectively taking your car in a matter of seconds.

In order to carry out an attack using relays the criminals require a cheap, readily available device that is able to pick up and amplify the signal emanating from your key fob. Typically, thieves work in pairs. One person will hold the relay amplifier while the other stands outside near the victim’s house. The thief wave the device towards the home of the victim, luring the car into believing that the key is nearby.

To avoid this kind of theft, experts suggest that you store your key fob whenever not in use in a metal container or pouch. This is a basic but ineffective method against modern relay devices. A far better option is to invest in an ignition lock for the steering wheel, that physically blocks the thief's ability to steer the vehicle once it is mercedes sprinter stolen without keys.

Many car makers have attempted to resolve this issue by introducing features, such as secure keyless entry systems, which use cryptographic methods with time-sensitive codes in order to defend against relay attacks. However, criminals have been able to create devices that can defeat these measures. This is why the race is on to find a solution to relay crime while preserving the convenience of keyless technology.

Hacking

A lot of new cars come with keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their vehicle without having to use a physical button or key. These systems are susceptible to a new type of theft. The thieves could employ electronic devices that copy the signal from the key fob, and transmit it to a accomplice who holds a transmitter close to the vehicle. The thief can then unlock the car and drive off. According to AAA, this method is referred to as relay attack. It can be accomplished in between 20 and 30 seconds.

Often, thieves can employ inexpensive devices that imitate wireless key fob signals to collect the signal and transmit it to an accomplice. The thief can then pretend to be the owner of the vehicle when the victim presses the key fob to start or close the vehicle. They accomplish this by sending a signal that appears to the car's computer as an authentic signal.

More sophisticated thieves have created devices that can be connected into a car's On Board Diagnostics (OBD) port that is usually located under the steering wheel. It allows mechanics to connect an instrument for diagnostics. The criminal then downloads data from the computer of the car and creates a blank key fob matching the specifications of the car. This type of hacking is possible with virtually all cars.

Some thieves have utilized TikTok challenges to instruct people on how do keyless cars get stolen to build cheap amplifiers which boost the signal from the key fob, making it possible for an accomplice to open the door even when it is in the driveway. This technique has led manufacturers like Kia to release software updates that mitigate the vulnerability.

Experts recommend that you keep your keys to your car in a trunk, or a place further away from home to ensure that thieves can't easily access the keys. You can also consider investing in RFID pouches to protect the signal and discourage the use of your keys in a non-approved way. Some of these pouches feature metal mesh linings and are available on the low end for about $10. Just like your phone and computer it's essential to keep the software on your car got stolen with keys in it up-to-date.

Radio Frequency Identification Cards

The latest car key fobs utilize radio signals to communicate with the vehicle, allowing owners to unlock their cars and even start them without having to touch a key. These new technologies increase the risk of theft. Thieves can steal the signal from a key fob when it is left on a table near the front door of the house or in a pocket, and they are able to duplicate the signal with simple devices that are similar to handheld gaming consoles called emulators. They can then unlock the car in just a few minutes and drive off.

The crooks typically work in pairs. One will be outside your house holding a relay amplifier while the other holds the device that captures the signal from the key fob. The criminals will then amplify the signal until it is strong enough to evade the security systems in your car.

Another technique that is popular is jamming the communication between the key fob and the vehicle. The thieves do this using signal jammers which emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. This confuses the signal, preventing it from reaching the car, which stops the lock button from functioning.

Dealers of automobiles must be vigilant to safeguard their inventory as thieves get more sophisticated. Dealerships should put up high-security perimeter fences with cameras and secure entrances, so that thieves are unable to drive flatbeds with cars at night. They should also train employees on the proper handling of keys and lock vehicles securely and keeping them in a secure place when they are not in use.

Fortunately, technology is working to fight these new thieves and prevent car thefts. For instance, certain automobile manufacturers are creating key fobs that incorporate active RFID chips that incorporate frequency-hopping technology to make it harder for thieves to amplify the signal emanating from the key. Faraday cages are a different way to prevent signals from a keyfob's to the vehicle. Other defences include etching the last seven digits of your vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the headlights, windows and mirrors to prevent the reuse or re-sale of your vehicle.

VIN Theft

While keyless entry is convenient but it also opens up new opportunities for criminals to steal cars. Your car will unlock the doors and start the engine when it recognises the signal sent by your wireless remote or key fob. If the signal is not recognized, your car will still lock, but it won't start. This is due to the fact that you have to have the key in your palm to press a button on the fob to activate the starter.

Even when your vehicle is parked, it is crucial to keep the remote and key fob from being seen. A criminal can use a small transmitter device to pick up your signal and then steal it. Then, he's able to open your door and drive off without ever touching the actual key or ignition.

Criminals may even change the VIN and the title of a stolen car with keys left in it vehicle to conceal their involvement. This technique, referred to as VIN-switching, is on the increase. Typically, crooks buy a damaged vehicle at auction or from police departments and then alter the VIN. They then use an authentic VIN from a different model and make the purchase of a brand new title and registration and then sell the car to unsuspecting buyers.

The VIN is a very popular method to stop theft. Many companies provide kits for this, and in a few areas, the police department or AAA offers this service for free. It may be strange to think that etching will hinder thieves. In the end it makes it difficult for dealers to buy your vehicle. But, a professional thief is aware that etching is a significant stumbling block and will likely avoid taking your car.

The NICB offers a no-cost VINCheck online service that will determine if your vehicle has ever been reported as Stolen Car keys replacement or salvaged, but was not yet recovered. The service requires a valid VIN to perform a search and is accessible via their website. There are a myriad of security devices that deter criminals from your vehicle. They include audible and visual devices that discourage criminals. Some of these include the locks on your steering wheel alarms, window etching and window locks.