How Do Keyless Cars Get Stolen?

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Footage from front-door home security cameras shows burglars using devices that detect signals from key fobs left keys in car and it was stolen on a table or in the pockets of a purse or bag, and relay those to the car to unlock it and start it.

Relay Theft

Modern vehicles that are keyless are designed to simplify our lives by letting us lock, unlock and even start the vehicle without the need for a physical key. Unfortunately, criminals have turned to this technology in a novel technique known as'relay theft.'

This involves two thieves working together. The first one is located near your house and uses a device to boost the signal of your key fob. The signal is transmitted to the second thief who is standing near the car. The stolen signal tricked the my car key was stolen's systems into thinking the key fob is near, allowing thieves to unlock and gain access to the vehicle. The thief can then utilize their devices to start the engine and leave the vehicle.

It's great to know that many car manufacturers are taking preventative measures against this new crime. Mercedes, for example has created a motion-sensor key fob that goes into sleep mode 40 seconds after being activated to safeguard against relay attacks. Other car manufacturers have also implemented ways to protect owners' vehicles from relay attacks. Kia, for example has its own faraday bag, which helps block the signal of the car. Other manufacturers are also implementing features that allow owners to disable their keyless entry system or install an electronic device to prevent their vehicle from being stolen.

Relay attack tools are available for purchase on the internet and can be employed by thieves who are opportunist as well as professional criminal gangs. They typically target desirable car and van brands. Unfortunately, a lot of security systems for cars fail to detect the crime since no physical breach is required.

As the number of car thefts rises, we need to be aware that this kind of crime is becoming more prevalent. Combining several strategies can help reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen. You can take steps like storing your keys in an aluminum container and using a Faraday bags to shield the signal or disable keyless entry.

Signal Jamming

If a vehicle is stolen it is important to be aware of the ways in which the crime takes place. It's no longer as simple as smashing the window and hotwiring, since thieves can now steal keys from cars using technology that bypasses the safety features of the vehicle.

The new method of stealing a car is referred to as relay theft. The thieves use electronic devices that detect the signal of the car owner's key fob and transmit it to a device close to the vehicle, causing the car into thinking the owner was nearby, opening the door and starting up the engine. Security experts say it can be done in less than 60 seconds.

Relay thefts are so frequent that some manufacturers have upgraded their systems to fight them. It is crucial to use the latest security system available in your car keys stolen and to stay up-to-date.

To avoid this type crime, you can secure your keys stolen with a Faraday box or pouch. These pouches or boxes are lined with a steel mesh that block the transmission of electromagnetic waves, making it harder for criminals steal your car. These boxes and pouches are available at most hardware stores as well as online for a reasonable cost. Experts suggest testing them out before you purchase to make sure they perform.

If you don't have one, you can lock your car manually. Always make sure that it is locked before you leave. You should also scan your immediate area to see if anyone else is in the area. If a burglar believes they've been seen, they will likely go on their way.

It is also recommended to park your car in an enclosed garage or on a street that is not directly adjacent to your home. This will stop thieves from capturing 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 cause the same issue.

Reprogramming

Modern cars typically have keyless ignition systems and use wireless fobs to unlock and start the vehicle. While this technology makes it simpler for drivers to unlock and start their vehicles however, it also opens the door 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 technology to duplicate the signal from your key fob. They accomplish this by amplifying the signal which is then able to override the computer in your car to allow it to be opened and started. This is known as relay attacks, and it's the most effective method to steal a car equipped with keyless entry.

Relay attacks can occur in a number of ways, but the basics involve two people working together. One will stand by the vehicle in question using a device that will pick up the signal from the key fob and amplify it. The other will be at the house and send the amplified signal to the key fob, which then signalizes the car to unlock and start. The crooks will then escape in the vehicle.

Researchers have been able, by extending the range of the key fob's signal to stop relay attacks. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fob out from the house and put it in a Faraday case or a similar signal-blocking device, whenever you're not using it.

Hacking into the diagnostics port is a different method to steal a keyless vehicle. These ports, located in the front of the footwell of most cars allow mechanics to connect a diagnostic device to the computer in the vehicle. Hackers have developed devices that connect to this port to allow the computer to boot of the car, and then program a blank remote control. This method requires a bit more expertise and understanding of electronics, but tech-savvy thieves are already using it to steal vehicles.

The thieves are able to easily unlock and steal the latest models of cars that are not protected by the traditional security measures. If you're a dealer owner it's crucial to give your employees training on how to stay clear of these methods.

Using Transponder Devices

The key fob sends an electronic signal to the car to tell it to unlock and start however, thieves can also employ a simple handheld device to amplify the signal to gain entry and then leave. Signal relaying is among the most popular methods used by modern cars being stolen with keyless entry to be stolen. It can be done in 60 seconds by most thieves. Thieves will often operate in pairs. The transmitter is placed on the floor while the relay amplifier is carried throughout the house. This is to look for a weak signal that was sent by the car fob. If they spot the signal, the criminals will then copy the signal and transmit the signal to their transmitter, so it can be copied by your car.

The blocking of signals sent by the key fob to the vehicle is a different technique. This is also a fairly frequent practice, and is difficult to stop. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fobs away from view when you're not using them.

Some thieves use sophisticated hacking tools to penetrate the system that locks the car and opens it. These devices are sold on Amazon and eBay starting at $100. Some are able to be used up 50 feet away from the key fob. They connect to the car's onboard diagnostic port (OBD port) and then launch a software program that reprograms a blank key fob to unlock the car and then start it.

If you're the owner of a dealership, how do keyless cars get stolen you need to do everything you can to prevent these kinds of crimes from happening on your lot. Install secure fences to shut off all entrances after hours and train employees on best methods of keeping and returning key fobs at the end of the day.

Experts believe that a new method will be more popular as more cars are designed to communicate with drivers through apps on their phones. This type of theft is already becoming more common, and it could be worse in the future. If thieves get access to your smartphone, they can make use of it to program your keys, which will bypass the immobilizer device which prevents your car from starting if the wrong electronic key is present.