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 tables or in the pockets of a purse or bag, and relay those to the car to unlock and begin the.

Relay Theft

Modern vehicles that use keyless locks are designed to simplify our lives by allowing us to lock, unlock, and even start the car without needing to insert the key. Unfortunately, criminals are making use of this very technology against us using a new technique called 'relay theft'.

Two thieves work together to accomplish this. One of them is located near your home with devices that can amplify the signal from your key fob which is later relayed to another criminal who is positioned near the vehicle. The stolen car keys signal tricks the car's systems into thinking the real key fob was near and allows thieves to unlock and get inside the vehicle. The thief then uses their device to turn on the car and then drive off.

The good news is that a lot of the newest car makers are adopting preventative measures to combat this type of crime. Mercedes, for example, has developed a motion-sensor How Do Keyless Cars Get Stolen key fob that is put into sleep mode after within 40 seconds of being activated to protect against relay attacks. Other car companies have created ways to protect their owners' vehicles from relay attacks. For instance, Kia offers its own faraday pouch that helps stop the car's signal. Other manufacturers have features that allow car owners to disable keyless entry, or install an alarm system to stop their vehicle from being taken away.

Professional criminals and Internet thieves gangs are able to use relay attack tools. They usually target desirable cars and van brands. Unfortunately, many security system do not detect the crime since there was no physical breach.

As the increase in car thefts, we need to be aware that this type of crime is becoming more frequent. While there is no way to assure you that your vehicle will not be stolen, combining several strategies will significantly reduce the chance. You can take steps like keeping your keys stolen in a metal container or using a Faraday pouch that blocks the signal, removing your keyless entry and installing an alarm system to track your vehicle.

Signal Jamming

When a car is stolen car keys what to do it is crucial to know how the crime takes place. It's not as easy as slamming the window and hotwiring, as thieves are now able to steal keys from cars by using technology that evades the car's safety systems.

The new method of stealing cars is called 'relay theft'. The thieves employ electronic devices that detect the signal from the car owner's key fob and transmit it to a device near the vehicle, tricking the car into thinking that its owner was in the vicinity by opening the door and kicking up the engine. Security experts suggest it can be done in less than 60 seconds.

In fact relay thefts have been so successful that they have caused certain manufacturers to upgrade their systems. It is crucial to use the most current security system in your car and to stay up-to-date.

One way to avoid this type of crime is to protect your key fobs with what is known as Faraday pouches or boxes. These boxes or pouches are lined with a metal mesh which blocks the transmission of electromagnetic waves, making it difficult for criminals steal your car. These pouches and boxes are available at a variety of hardware stores as well as online for a reasonable cost. Experts suggest that you test them before buying to ensure they function.

If you don't have one, you can also lock your car manually, and always ensure that you lock it before walking away. Also, you should look around the immediate area for anyone who is lingering around, because the moment a criminal feels they've been caught and is able to move on, they'll likely leave.

It's also a good idea to park your vehicle in a secure garage or at least on the street that's not immediately next to your house. This will stop thieves from capturing and amplifying the signal from electronic devices in your home to gain access to your vehicle. Parking too close to a vehicle could cause the same issue.

Reprogramming

Modern cars typically have keyless ignition systems that use wireless fobs to unlock and start the vehicle. While this technology makes it simpler for drivers to unlock and start their cars, it also creates opportunities for thieves. The theft of an unlocked car is more common today than ever before.

Instead of smashing windows, thieves can use simple tools and technologies to clone the key fob's signal. The signal is amplified, and is able to override the computer of the car to allow it to unlock and start the car. This is referred to as a relay attack, and is the most effective method to steal a keyless car.

Relay attacks are possible in many ways however, they all require two people working together. One person will be in front of the vehicle in question with a device able to detect the signal from the key fob and amplify it. The other will be at the house and transmit the amplified signal to the key fob, which then allows the car to open and start. The criminals will then be able to drive away in the vehicle.

Researchers have been able to, by increasing the range of the key fob's signals to block relay attacks. It's important to store your key fob in a Faraday Case or another blocking device for signals when you're not using.

Hacking into the onboard diagnostics port is a different method to steal a vehicle without keys. These ports are located in the footwells of the front of many automobiles. They allow mechanics to connect diagnostic tools to the vehicle's computers. Hackers have created devices that connect to this port to start the software of the car and then program a blank remote. This method is more sophisticated and requires understanding of electronics. However, how do keyless cars get stolen tech-savvy thieves have already utilized it to steal cars.

If they're using a jamming device or a tool for reprogramming, thieves can now easily access and steal newer automobile models that aren't protected by traditional security measures. If you operate a dealership, it's important to train your employees on how to thwart this type of theft.

Using Transponder Devices

The key fob transmits a signal to the car, telling it to open and start the engine, but thieves can also employ a simple handheld device to amplify the signal, allowing them to gain entry and then leave. This is referred to as signal relaying, and it's one of the most frequent ways that modern cars get stolen. The crooks are able to do it in as little as 60 seconds. Often, thieves will work in pairs. One will stand with the transmitter device that receives the signal from the key, and the other walks through the walls of your house using the relay amplifier, searching for a faint signal sent by the fob of your car. If they spot it, they can then copy the signal and send the signal to their transmitter, so it could be copied by your car.

Jamming the signals sent by the key fob to the vehicle is another technique. This is also quite common, and it can be extremely difficult to stop. It is important to put your key fobs in a safe place when not being used.

The thieves may even use sophisticated hacking devices to infiltrate the system that is used to lock and start the engine. These devices can be bought on Amazon and eBay for as little as $100, and some of them can be used for up to 50 feet away from the key fob. They connect to the vehicle's onboard diagnostic port (OBD port) and then boot a software program that will reprogram an unrepaired key fob to unlock the car and begin it.

If you're a dealer owner, you need to take every step you can to stop such crimes from happening on your lot. Install fences that are secure to shut off any entrances after hours and train 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 their drivers through apps on their phone. This kind of theft is already becoming more frequent and could get worse in the future. If thieves gain access to your phone, they can utilize it to reprogram your keys. This would disable the immobilizer, which prevents your car from starting if there is you have the wrong electronic key.