10 Healthy Car Stolen Keyless Entry Habits

Keyless Entry and Car Theft

Car theft is on the rise and thieves have discovered new ways to gain access to vehicles. One of the most popular methods is keyless entry.

The days of stealing cars by breaking windows and wiring them over. Today, they can hack the computer systems of vehicles in minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction of Push-to-Start technology millions of drivers have benefited from having the ability to start their vehicle without having to reach for keys. However, this convenience can make vehicles susceptible to theft. In particular the past, thieves have been able employ a new method known as the relay attack to steal cars in a matter of seconds. This method uses an instrument to record and amplify the signal from your car got stolen with keys in it's key fob, allowing thieves to unlock and then drive away.

The relay attack is actually an alteration of an older method known as Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This type of attack is utilized in cybersecurity to disrupt and alter the exchange of information between two parties without either party realizing it. In a relay attack, the attacker employs an electronic device that can capture and transmit the signal from the fob of the key in your car to another device nearby. The second device is able to open the door and start the engine of your car in a matter of just a few seconds.

To carry out an attack using relays criminals need only a cheap, readily available device that can detect and amplify the signal emanating from your key fob. Most often, thieves operate in pairs. One person will hold the amplifier for relay while the other stands outside near the victim’s house. The thief swizzles the device towards the victim's home, tricking the car into believing that the key is close by.

To avoid this kind of theft, some experts suggest that you store your key fob when it is not in use in a metal container or pouch. However it is a straightforward solution that has been shown to be ineffective against modern relay devices. A far better option is to purchase an ignition lock for the steering wheel, that physically blocks the thief's ability to steer the vehicle once it's stolen.

Many car manufacturers have tried to resolve this issue by introducing features such as secure keyless entry systems which use cryptographic methods with time-sensitive codes in order to defend against relay attacks. However criminals have been able to create devices that can defeat these measures. The race is on to find a solution for criminals who relay information that doesn't interfere with the security of technology that does not require keys stolen.

Hacking

Many new cars have keyless entry systems that permit drivers to start and open their vehicle without using any physical button or key. These systems are vulnerable to a new type of theft. The thieves may make use of electronic devices that replicate the signal of the key fob and transmit it to an accomplice holding a transmitter close to the vehicle. The thief then unlocks the vehicle and takes off. According to AAA this method is known as relay attack. It can be accomplished within 20-30 seconds.

Thieves can often use inexpensive devices to imitate wireless key fob signal to capture it and transmit it to a partner. Then, when the victim clicks their key fob to unlock or start the car, the thief can pretend to be the owner of the car by sending a response to the car's computer system that makes it believe that a genuine signal is being transmitted through the fob.

The more sophisticated thieves have designed devices that can plug into the On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD), which is usually located under the steering wheel. This port allows mechanics to connect diagnostic tools. The criminal can download data from the car's computer and create a blank key fob that meets the car's specifications. Nearly all cars are vulnerable to this type of hacking.

Some thieves have employed TikTok challenges to teach people to make cheap amplifiers that increase the signal from the key fob, making it possible for an accomplice to unlock the car was stolen with keys inside while it is parked in the driveway. This technique has led manufacturers like Kia to issue software updates that eliminate the vulnerability.

Experts recommend keeping your car left keys in car Stolen further away from your home, and even in the trunk so that thieves have a difficult to gain access to the keys. You can also purchase RFID pouches that help to protect the signal and discourage unauthorised use. Some of these pouches have mesh linings made of metal, and can be purchased at a low cost of around $10. Similar to your phone or computer it's essential to keep the software on your car up-to-date.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards

The most recent car my key fob was stolen fobs make use of radio signals to communicate with the vehicle and allow owners to unlock their vehicles and start them without having to touch a key. Unfortunately, these new technologies also increase the chance of theft. Thieves can capture the signal from a key fob when it is placed on a table near the front door of the home or in a pocket and they can copy the signal using simple devices that are the size of handheld gaming consoles referred to as emulators. They can then open the car in minutes and drive off.

The crooks typically operate in pairs. One will be in front of your house, holding a relay amplifier and the other will hold the device that collects the signal from a key fob. The thieves will then increase the signal so that it is strong enough to disable the security systems in your car.

Another method of securing key fobs is by blocking the communication between key fob and the vehicle. The thieves use signal jammers which emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. This jams the signal and blocks it from being detected by the vehicle. The lock button won't work.

As thieves become more sophisticated in their tactics and techniques, dealers must be vigilant in protecting their inventory. Dealerships should install high-security perimeter fencing with cameras and a secure entryway so that thieves can't drive in flatbeds and vehicles after hours. They must also train their employees on the proper handling of keys, which includes locking vehicles securely and storing them safely when not being used.

Technology is helping to stop car thefts and fight these new thieves. Some car manufacturers are working on key fobs that have active RFID chips and frequency-hopping technology that makes it difficult for thieves to amplify the signal of the keys. In addition, Faraday cages can be used to stop the transmission of signals from a key fob to a car. Other options include etching the last seven digits of your vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the headlights, windows, and mirrors to prevent the sale or reuse of your vehicle.

VIN Theft

While keyless entry is great for convenience but it also opens up new opportunities for thieves to rob vehicles. If your car detects the signal from your wireless key or remote fob, it will open the door and begin the engine. If the signal isn't recognized by your car, it will lock but won't start. You need to hold the key to activate the starter.

Even when your vehicle is parked, it's essential to keep your remote and key fob hidden. A criminal could use a tiny transmitter device to pick up your signal and then steal it. Then, he can unlock your door without touching the ignition or key.

In some cases criminals are able to swap out a vehicle's VIN and title to conceal their involvement in the stolen vehicle. This practice is referred to as VIN switching and is on the rise. Typically, crooks will buy a damaged vehicle through auctions or police departments and then modify the VIN. They then use a legitimate VIN from a different model and make an attempt to get a new title and registration, and then sell the car to unwitting buyers.

A popular deterrent to theft is to have your VIN etched into your vehicle's glass. There are a number of companies that provide kits to do this and in certain areas, the police department or AAA offers this service for free. It might seem odd to think that etching will deter thieves. After all it makes it difficult for dealers to buy your car. However, a professional thief is aware that etching can be an important obstacle and will probably stop them from taking your car.

The NICB offers a free VINCheck online service that will determine if your car has ever been reported as stolen or salvaged, but has not yet recovered. The service requires a valid VIN to conduct a search and is accessible via their website. In addition, a wide variety of crime-deterring products are available for your car, including audible and visible devices that act as a deterrent for criminals. Some of these include the locks on your steering wheel alarms, window etching and window locks.