Keyless Cars Being Stolen in Minutes

With the help of equipment that is available for purchase on the internet, criminals are focusing their efforts on keyless cars, which can be taken away in a matter of minutes. Learn how thieves can evade security features in your car and what you need to do to secure it.

Keep your key fob inside a faraday bag, or an aluminum tin to block the signal. Also, consider fitting a steering wheel lock to prevent the car being taken away.

Relay Theft

The ease of using keyless cars can make it easy to forget that they could make your car more vulnerable to high-tech criminals. One of the most up-to-date methods of hacking used by thieves is known as "relay theft."

With this method, two criminals collaborate to steal your vehicle. One thief is standing by your home using equipment that boosts the signal for an electronic key fob, and transmit the amplified signal over a distance to the other thief standing by your car. The second thief can then utilize their device to replicate your fob's signal and unlock the car or start the engine, allowing them to take off with the car.

The devices can be purchased online at a bargain price. And they can be used on any type of car from the latest SUVs to the oldest Honda Civics. Certain cars are more at risk than others. Cars that are highly sought-after from thieves, whether due to their resale value or the ease of dismantling parts typically are targeted by criminals. This is why you must park in a safe area and make sure you don't leave anything valuable in the vehicle (including the owner's manual that may include the valet key).

According to the tracking company Tracker UK, the UK has seen a record number of thefts utilizing this method. In July 2023, they were responsible for 98 percent of the cars stolen that Tracker UK recovered.

Experts suggest installing aftermarket security systems like GPS trackers and alarms to lower the risk of becoming a victim. They also suggest keeping keys in containers made of metal, signal-blocking bags or Faraday boxes, which can help in preventing relay attacks.

Dealerships can help protect their inventory by taking physical security measures, such as perimeter fencing, surveillance camera systems and well-lit areas. They should also train their staff on how to handle keys and lockdown procedures to avoid theft. If they are selling vehicles that are older, then they should consider installing an ignition immobilizer at the dealer. This will prevent thieves from taking the car after fooling the system into thinking that it's still in the dealership's lot.

Transponder Theft

In order to keep up with the latest technology the thieves update their equipment to match. Criminals employ a relay attack to steal keyless cars stolen with keyless entry. Two people work together. The thief will be outside the victim's house with the aid of a device that receives the signal from a key fob, and then transmitted to a second person who is waiting by the car. The car will start when the copied signal is recognized. This has been recorded on security cameras at home which show cars being driven away in a matter of seconds.

This is a rising threat to owners of all kinds and models, putting older luxury vehicles at risk. Tracker UK, a tracking company in the UK reported that 98% of the high-tech vehicles it retrieved in the last year were stolen key fob through keyless systems. Older luxury vehicles with keyless systems that are less sophisticated are the most vulnerable including Mercedes C- and E-Classes, BMW 3 Series models, Land Rover Discovery, and Jaguar XF.

Code theft is a different way to steal a my car was stolen with the keys in it key. This could occur if you don't pay attention to the location you place your key fob. You might forget to take it out of your pocket before leaving the house. If your fob is within range of an in-home intelligent security or hub it could be hacked to gain access to the vehicle's control systems. Hackers with good understanding in electronics can alter the code of the vehicle to do what they want, for instance, disabling ignition and driving away.

It is crucial to safeguard your vehicle and be aware of attacks. You can reduce the risk by parking in a secure garage or a gated and secured car park. If this isn't possible then install a motion-sensored camera that can see your driveway. You can also purchase signal blocking accessories, such as boxes and bags, which are designed to prevent thieves from stealing the key fob's signal if they're in close proximity to a jammer.

Programming Theft

The technology of keyless vehicles is convenient for us but can make them easier to steal for thieves. The "relay attack" is a popular method to steal a car with keyless entry systems. It involves criminals working in pairs and using equipment to capture the signal that your fob sends as it comes within the reach of the door or ignition to open and start your vehicle.

The keyless system is based on radio waves with low power that only work when the key fob is close to the doors or ignition. A skilled hacker can make use of specially-designed equipment to amplify the communication between the fob and the vehicle, thus extending the capabilities of the system. This allows a criminal to trick the vehicle into believing that the fob is close enough to allow it to start or unlock it, even though it may be metres away inside the victim's home, or inside their pocket.

Some cars have security features that prevent ignition when the key fob is too distant. However, this only works if your vehicle has been programmed to ensure that it can detect the fob's signal at a specific frequency. If a hacker is able to obtain the coding for the car's system, they are able to reprogram the fob to function at whatever frequency the car is programmed to recognise and bypass this security feature.

Criminals can get the code for your car's keyless transmission by inserting a device referred to as a "key programmer" which can be purchased on the internet for less than $1000 and is inserted into the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port typically located under the steering wheel. This tool can then transfer the car's unique information to an unlocked key fob, allowing it to unlock and start your car exactly as a genuine key fob would.

These tools are easily accessible online and allow criminals to target large range of makes and models. The most well-known keyless entry vehicles are produced by luxury manufacturers like BMW Audi Mercedes and Jaguar. These are the vehicles that are targeted the most. In fact, the insurance company Tracker has discovered that high-end models account for as much as 50% of all high-tech theft claims that it assists in recovering.

Theft of a Lockout

While keyless entry vehicles can be a great convenience, it doesn't take much experience for criminals to spot weaknesses in the system. The old method of smashing the car's windows and hotwiring the vehicle is still used, but more and more criminals are turning to advanced methods to steal cars without breaking into the home. According to data collected by the company that tracks Tracker, car thefts have increased to an all-time record in the U.K., with keyless car thefts making up an important portion of the total.

These new methods are not just less expensive than traditional car thefts they can be accomplished in just a few minutes. For example, a team of two thieves could employ devices to intercept the signal from the key fob, and then send it directly to the transmitter in the other thief's hand. This enables the other person to unlock the vehicle and drive it away. The devices can be purchased for just $100 and are compatible with a variety of car models.

The thieves are now able to as well as using these advanced methods, encrypt the data that is sent from a key fob. They can then clone it and upload it to an empty fob. These cloned key fobs will be able to unlock and start vehicles, even if they're not the original keys.

ADAC's research revealed that a variety of popular vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Prius, are vulnerable to this kind of theft. A single key can be used to unlock a variety of cars using this method. This means that it is not required to target specific car models or manufacturers.

To ensure that cars are safe from these new threats, car makers are now offering security measures. For instance, Kia has created a faraday bag that can be placed in the pocket of a key fob to block signals and guard against theft. Other options include creating extra keys and storing them in secure but accessible places or installing cameras around your home and driveway or using apps to ensure that you aren't forgetting about your car. It is essential to check the battery levels of your key fob regularly to ensure it doesn't go flat.