Keyless Entry and Car Theft

The number of car burglaries is increasing, and thieves are finding new ways to get into vehicles. One of the most common methods is keyless entry.

There is no longer a time when thieves broke windows and hotwired cars to steal them. They can now hack into the computers of a vehicle in minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction to the Push-to Start technology, millions of people have been able to be able to start their cars without having to reach for keys to their car. However, this convenience can make vehicles vulnerable to theft. The relay attack is a novel method that thieves can employ to steal cars in a matter of seconds. This method makes use of an amplifier to record and amplify the signal sent by your car's keyfob. It allows thieves to unlock your car and drive off.

Relay attacks are a variant of an older technique called Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This kind of attack is utilized in cybersecurity to alter and intercept the communication between two entities without either party being aware of it. In the case of a relay attack, the attacker employs a device to intercept the signal from the key fob in your car and transmits that signal to another device located close to. The second device can be used to open the door and start the engine, effectively taking your car in a matter of seconds.

Criminals can carry out an attack making use of a low-cost and readily available device to pick up the signal from an electronic key fob. Usually, thieves will work in pairs. One person will hold the amplifier for relay while the other stands outside near the victim’s house. The thief waves the device in the direction of the victim's home, tricking the car stolen with keys in it into thinking that the key is nearby.

Some experts suggest storing your key fob in a metallic container, signal-blocking pouch, or Faraday bag whenever not in use to stop this kind of theft. This is a simple but ineffective method against modern relay devices. A better alternative is to invest in the use of a steering wheel lock which physically blocks the thief's ability to steer the vehicle once it is stolen.

Many car manufacturers have tried to solve this problem by introducing features, such as secure keyless cars being stolen entry systems which employ cryptographic techniques with time-sensitive codes to defend against relay attacks. However, criminals have been able to create devices that defy these measures. The race is on to find a solution for relay crime that does not compromise the convenience of technology that is keyless.

Hacking

Many new cars come with keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their car without a physical button or key. However, these systems can be vulnerable to a new kind of theft. The thieves may use electronic devices that copy the signal from the key fob, and then transmit it to an accomplice who holds a transmitter close to the vehicle. The thief then has the ability to unlock the vehicle and drive off. According to AAA this method is referred to as a relay attack. It can be accomplished in 20 to 30 second.

Thieves typically use cheap devices that mimic the wireless key fob signal to capture it and send it to an accomplice. The thief then appears to be the owner of the vehicle when the victim presses the key fob to start or shut the car. They accomplish this by sending a message that appears to the car's computer as an authentic signal.

More sophisticated thieves have created devices that can be plugged into a car's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port that is usually located beneath the steering wheel and allows mechanics to connect an instrument for diagnostics. The thief can then download information from the my car was stolen with the keys in it's computer and create a blank key fob that is compatible with the specifications of the car. Almost all vehicles are vulnerable to this kind of hacking.

Some thieves have even made use of TikTok challenges to teach people how to make inexpensive amplifiers that enhance the signal from the key fob, and permit an accomplice to unlock the vehicle from a distance while it's parked in the driveway. This technique has led manufacturers like Kia to release software updates that mitigate the vulnerability.

Experts recommend keeping your my car keys were stolen what do i do keys farther away from your home, and even in the trunk so that thieves have a tough to gain access to them. You can also buy RFID pouches to help shield the signal from unauthorized use. These pouches can be purchased for just $10. Some come with metal mesh linings. It is also essential to keep your car's software up to the latest version, just as you would with your smartphone and computer.

Radio Frequency Identification Cards

The most recent car key fobs utilize radio signals to communicate with the vehicle which allows owners to unlock their vehicles and start them without having to touch a key. These new technologies increase the chance of theft. Thieves can capture the signal from a key fob if it is left on a table near the front door of the home or in a pocket, and they can copy the signal with simple devices the size of handheld gaming consoles called emulators. Once they have it, they can open the car and drive it away in just a few minutes.

The crooks typically operate in pairs. The crooks typically work in pairs. One of them will be in front of your home with a relay amplifier and the other will have the device that receives the signal of a keyfob. The criminals will then amplify the signal until it is strong enough to evade the security systems in your car.

Another method of securing key fobs is by jamming the communication between the key fob and the vehicle. The thieves employ signal jammers which emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. The signal is blocked and prevents it from being picked up by the vehicle. The lock button won't work.

Dealers of automobiles must be vigilant to safeguard their inventory as thieves get more sophisticated. Dealerships must install high-security perimeter fencing, with cameras and a secure entryway to prevent thieves from driving on flatbeds with vehicles after hours. They should also train their employees on proper handling of keys, which includes locking vehicles securely and storing keys safely when not in use.

Fortunately, technology is helping stop car thefts and tackling the new thieves. For instance, some car manufacturers are developing key fobs that use active RFID chips that incorporate frequency-hopping technology to make it harder for thieves to amplify the signal from the key. In addition, Faraday cages can be used to stop the transmission of signals from a key fob the car. Other options include engraving the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), on the headlights, windows and mirrors to prevent the resale or reuse of your vehicle.

VIN Theft

Keyless entry is useful, but it also provides new opportunities for thieves to steal cars. If your car recognizes the signal from your wireless key or remote fob, it will open the door and start the engine. If the signal is not recognized, your car will still lock, but it won't start. You must hold the key in order to start the starter.

This is why it's essential to keep your key fob and remote out of view, even when your car is stationed. A criminal can hijack your signal by using a tiny transmitter. Then, he's able to open your door and drive off without ever having to touch the actual physical ignition or key.

Criminals are even able to swap out the VIN and title of a stolen vehicle to conceal their involvement. This is known as VIN switching and is currently on the rise. Typically, crooks will buy a damaged vehicle through auctions or police departments, and then change the VIN. They then make use of a valid VIN from a different model and make to obtain a brand new title and registration, and then sell the car to unsuspecting buyers.

A popular method of deterring theft is to have your VIN inscribed into the glass of your car. There are a number of companies that offer kits for this, and in certain areas, the police department or AAA offers this service for free. It may seem strange to believe that etching can hinder thieves. After all it makes it difficult for dealers to purchase your vehicle. Professional thieves will stay away from your vehicle because they know that etching is a significant obstacle to their pursuit.

The NICB also offers a free online VINCheck service to check whether your vehicle has been reported as stolen keys what to do (source web page) or salvaged, but not yet recovered. The service is available only on their website and requires an authentic VIN. In addition, a wide range of products to deter crime are available for your car, including audible and visible devices that act as a deterrent to criminals. These include alarms and locks for the steering wheel and window scratching.