Car Stolen Keyless Entry Tips That Will Transform Your Life
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Keyless Entry and Car Theft
The number of vehicle thefts is growing and thieves are discovering new ways to gain access to vehicles. One of the most common methods is keyless entry.
Gone are the days when thieves broke windows and wired cars to steal them. They can now hack into the computer systems of vehicles within a matter of minutes.
Relay Attack
Since the introduction to the Push-to Start technology, millions have enjoyed the convenience to be able to start their cars without needing to look for keys to their car. However, this convenience makes vehicles more vulnerable to theft. The relay attack is a new method that thieves can employ to steal cars in just a few seconds. This technique makes use of an amplifier to amplify and capture the signal generated by the key fob of your car. It allows thieves to unlock your car and then drive away.
The relay attack is a variant of an older method known as Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This kind of attack could be used in cybersecurity to snoop on communications between two entities and alter it without the other knowing. In a relay attack, the attacker employs an electronic device to capture and transmit the signal from the fob of the key in your car to a second device in the vicinity. This second device is able to open the door and begin the engine, effectively stealing your vehicle in seconds.
To carry out an attack via relay the criminals require an inexpensive, readily available device that is able to pick up and amplify the signal from your key fob. Usually, thieves operate in pairs, with one holding the relay amplifier and the other person standing outside near the home of the victim. The thief wave the device in the direction of the victim's home, tricking the car into thinking the key is nearby.
Some experts suggest storing your key fob in a steel container, signal-blocking pouch, or Faraday bag when not in use to prevent this type of theft. But it is a straightforward solution that has been proved to be ineffective against modern relay devices. A far better option is to purchase a steering wheel lock, which physically blocks the thief's ability to steer the vehicle after it is stolen.
Many car manufacturers have attempted to tackle this problem by introducing features such as secure keyless entry systems that rely on encryption techniques and time-sensitive codes in order to protect against relay attacks. However, criminals have been able to create devices that can defeat these measures. The race is now on to find a solution to criminals who relay information that doesn't hinder the ease of keyless technology.
Hacking
Many new cars come with keyless entry systems that allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without having to use any physical button or key. These systems are susceptible to a new type of theft. Thieves may utilize electronic devices to copy the signal from the key fob, and then transmit it to a transmitter held by an accomplice standing close to the car. The thief then unlocks the vehicle and is able to drive away. According to AAA, this method is known as a relay attack. It can be completed in between 20 and 30 seconds.
Thieves often employ cheap devices to imitate wireless key fob signal to capture it and send it to an accomplice. The thief will then appear to be the owner of the car when the victim presses the key fob button to start or close the vehicle. They do this by sending a signal that appears to the car system as a genuine signal.
The more sophisticated thieves have designed devices that connect to the On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD) which is typically located beneath the steering wheel. This port permits mechanics to connect diagnostic tools. The criminal can download data from the car's computers and create a blank key fob that matches 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 cheap amplifiers that boost the signal of a key fob and allow an accomplice to unlock the car from a distance while it's parked in the driveway. This has led to manufacturers like Kia to issue software updates that eliminate the vulnerability.
Experts recommend that you keep your keys to your car in a trunk, or a space that is far from home to ensure that thieves cannot easily gain access to the keys. You can also purchase RFID pouches to shield the signal and deter unauthorized use. Some of these pouches feature mesh linings made of metal, and can be purchased at a low cost of around $10. Like your phone or computer, it's important to keep the software in your vehicle up-to date.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards
The most recent car key fobs make use of 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 likelihood of theft. The signal from a keyfob could be recorded if the fob is left on a table near the front door or in a wallet. Then, they can copy it with simple devices known as emulators, which are the size of handheld consoles. They can then open the car in a matter of minutes and drive away.
The crooks typically operate in pairs. One will stand outside your house holding a relay amplifier and the other will hold the device that collects the signal from the key fob. The crooks can then amplify the signal so that it is strong enough to disable the security systems in your car.
Another popular tactic involves simply jamming the communication between the keyfob and vehicle. The thieves use signal jammers that emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. This confuses the signal, which prevents it from being interpreted by the car, which stops the lock button from working.
Dealers in the auto industry must be on guard to protect their inventory as thieves become more sophisticated. Dealerships must install high-security perimeter fencing, with cameras and a secure entryway to ensure that thieves aren't able to drive in flatbeds and vehicles after hours. They should also instruct employees on the proper handling of keys and lock vehicles securely and keeping them in a secure location when they are not in use.
Fortunately, technology is working to stop these new thieves and prevent car thefts. For instance, some car makers are developing key fobs that use active RFID chips that incorporate frequency-hopping technology to make it more difficult for thieves to amplify the signal coming from the key. In addition, Faraday cages can be used to stop the transmission of signals from a key fob a car. Other options include etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the headlights, windows and mirrors to stop re-sale or re-use of your vehicle.
VIN Theft
While keyless access is great for convenience but it also opens up new opportunities for criminals to steal cars. If your car detects a signal sent from your remote or wireless key fob, it will unlock the door and begin the engine. If the signal isn't recognized the car will be locked, but it won't start. This is because you have to hold the key in your hands to press an appropriate button on the fob in order to activate the starter.
Even if your car is parked, it's essential to keep your remote and key fob in a safe place. Criminals can use a small transmitter device to pick up your signal and hijack it. He will then be able to open your door without touching the ignition or key.
In certain instances, criminals are even capable of swapping a vehicle's VIN and title to conceal their involvement in the theft of the vehicle. This practice is referred to as VIN switching and is currently on increasing. Typically, crooks buy a damaged car at auction or click here from police departments and then change the VIN. They then take an authentic VIN from another model and an attempt to get a new registration and title, and then sell the vehicle to unwitting buyers.
A popular theft deterrent is to have your VIN inscribed into the windshield of your car. Many companies offer kits for this, and in some areas, the police department or AAA offers this service free of charge. It may be odd to think that etching could hinder thieves. In the end it makes it difficult for dealers to buy your vehicle. Professional thieves will stay away from your car due to the fact that they know that etching is a significant obstacle to their pursuit.
The NICB offers a no-cost VINCheck online service that will determine if your car was ever reported as stolen or salvaged, but was not yet recovered. The service is available only on their website and requires a valid VIN. Additionally, a vast assortment of security products available for your vehicle as well as visible and audible devices that serve as a deterrent for criminals. Some of them include the locks on your steering wheel alarms, window etching and window locks.