How Do Keyless Cars Get Stolen?

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Video footage from front-door security cameras shows burglars using devices that detect signals from key fobs that are left on a table or in the pockets of a purse or bag, and relay signals to the car to unlock it and start it.

Relay Theft

Modern keyless cars are designed to make life easier for us by making it possible what to do if car keys stolen lock or unlock and even start the car without needing to insert the key. Unfortunately, criminals have now turned to this technology in a novel method known as relay theft.'

It involves two thieves working together. One of them is close to your home, using devices that can amplify the signal from your key fob, which is then relayed to the second thief who is standing by the vehicle. The stolen signal fools the car's systems into thinking the real key fob was close by and allows thieves to unlock and enter the vehicle. The thieves can then use their devices to start the engine and drive away.

It's good to know that numerous automobile manufacturers are taking preventative measures against this new crime. Mercedes for instance has created a motion-sensor key fob that goes into sleep mode 40 seconds after activation to guard against relay attacks. Other car companies have developed ways to safeguard the vehicles of their owners from relay attacks. For example, Kia offers its own faraday pouch that helps block the car's signal. Other manufacturers are also implementing features that let owners disable their keyless entry system or install a tracking device to stop their vehicle from being stolen.

Professional criminals and Internet thieves gangs are able to use relay attack tools. They usually target desirable cars and van brands. Unfortunately, a lot of security systems for cars fail to detect the crime since no physical break-in is required.

We need to be aware that car thefts are increasing. Combining several strategies can reduce the possibility of your car being stolen. You can take steps such as placing your keys in a metal container, using a Faraday pouch that blocks the signal, disabling your keyless entry system and installing an electronic tracking device.

Signal Jamming

It's crucial to know how a car can be stolen. It's not as simple as smashing a window and hotwiring it since criminals can now steal keys from cars with the help of technology that allows them to bypass the security systems of the car.

The latest method of stealing a car is called "relay theft". It's where thieves use electronic devices to record the signal from a car's owner's fob, then transmit it to a different device that's located near the vehicle, luring it into thinking the owner is nearby, and then opening up the door and launching the engine. Security experts say it can be done within 60 minutes.

In fact, relay thefts can be so successful that they have pushed certain manufacturers to upgrade their systems. It's important to use the latest security system available in your car and to remain current.

One way to avoid this type of crime is to secure your keys by using something called Faraday pouches or boxes. These boxes and pouches are lined with a conductive metal mesh to block the transmission of electromagnetic signals, making it difficult for thieves to steal your car. These pouches and boxes are available at most hardware stores, as well as online for a reasonable cost. Experts recommend trying them out before purchasing to make sure they perform.

If you don't own one you can lock your car by hand. Always make sure that it's locked before you leave. Also, you should look around the immediate area for anyone that is still around, as the moment a criminal feels they've been observed then they'll probably leave.

It is also recommended to park your vehicle in an enclosed garage or on a street that is not directly adjacent to your home. This will stop thieves from taking and amplifying the signal from electronic devices in your home to gain access to your car. You should be wary of parking too close to a neighboring vehicle, as this could result in the same problem.

Reprogramming

Modern vehicles often have keyless cars being stolen ignition systems and utilize wireless fobs to unlock and start the vehicle. While this technology makes it simpler for drivers to unlock their vehicles and start them however, it also opens the door for thieves. The theft of a locked vehicle is more prevalent today than ever before.

Instead of smashing windows thieves can use simple tools and techniques to clone the key fob's signal. The signal is amplified, and is able to override the computer of the car keys stolen from unlocked house to open and start the vehicle. This technique is known as a relay attack, and is the simplest method to steal a car with a key.

Relay attacks can be carried out in a variety of ways but they all involve two people working together. One person will stand close to the vehicle that is targeted and use a device to pick up the key fob signal. The other will stand near the house and transmit the amplified signal to the key fob, which signalizes the car to open and start. The crooks will then escape in the vehicle.

The good news is that research teams have been able to prevent relay attacks by boosting the range of the fob's signal. It's essential to store your key fob in a Faraday Case or another blocking device for signals when you're not using.

Another way to steal the keys of a car keys stolen from house and car stolen is to hack into the on-board diagnostics port. These ports are located in the footwells of front-facing cars and enable mechanics to connect diagnostic tools to computers in the vehicle. Hackers have developed devices that can plug into this port, boot up the software of the car and then program an unprogrammed key fob. This method requires a bit more expertise and understanding of electronics, but tech-savvy thieves are already using it to steal vehicles.

If they're using an instrument to jam or a reprogramming tool that allows thieves to unlock and steal newer car models that aren't covered by the traditional security measures. If you operate an auto dealership, it's essential to educate your employees on how to prevent this type of theft.

Using Transponder Devices

The key fob transmits an alert to the car telling it to unlock and start however, thieves can also use a simple handheld device to amplify the signal, allowing them to get in and drive away. This is referred to as signal relaying, and it's one of the most common ways modern cars are stolen. The crooks are able to do it in as little as 60 minutes. Most often, thieves work in pairs. One will stand with the transmitter device that receives the signal from the key, while the other walks through the walls of your house with the relay amplifier, searching for a faint signal sent by your car's fob. If they locate it, they can then clone the signal and send it to their transmitter so it could be copied by your vehicle.

Jamming the signals sent by the key fob to the vehicle is another method. This is also a common practice and is extremely difficult what to do if your car keys get stolen stop. It is important to put your key fobs safely when not being used.

The thieves may even use sophisticated hacking devices to infiltrate the system that locks and then starts the engine. These devices can be purchased on Amazon and eBay for as little as $100, and a few of them can be used for up to 50 feet from the key fob. These devices connect to the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic port, and then boot up software reprograms the key with a blank code to unlock and start the car.

You must do everything you can as a seller to prevent this type of theft from occurring on your property. Install secure fences to stop any entrances after hours and educate employees on the best methods for the safekeeping and return of key fobs at end of the day.

Experts believe that a brand new method will become more popular as more vehicles are designed to communicate with drivers through apps on their phone. This kind of theft is more commonplace and may get worse in the future. If thieves gain access to your phone, they can make use of it to reprogram your keys, which could disable the immobilizer system that keeps your car from starting if the incorrect electronic key is used.