What's The Fuss About Car Stolen Keyless Entry?

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Keyless Entry and Car Theft

Car theft is increasing, and thieves have found new ways to enter vehicles. Keyless entry is one of the most common methods.

The days of taking cars away by breaking windows and wiring them over. They can now hack the computer systems of vehicles within a matter of minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction to the Push-to Start technology, millions of people have been able to be able to start their cars without needing to search for a car key. Unfortunately, the same convenience makes vehicles more vulnerable to theft. The relay attack is a novel technique that thieves can use to steal cars within seconds. This method uses an instrument to record and amplify the signal that is sent from your car's key fob, which allows thieves to unlock your car and then drive away.

Relay attacks are a variation of an older technique called Man-in the-Middle Attacks. This kind of attack is utilized in cybersecurity to disrupt and alter the exchange of information between two parties without the other party noticing it. 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 device nearby. The second device is able to open the door and start the engine of your vehicle in just a few just a few seconds.

To perform an attack using relays criminals need only an affordable, easily accessible device that can pick up and amplify the signal coming from your key fob. Usually, thieves operate in pairs, with one holding the relay amplifier, and the other one standing near the home of the victim. The thief swizzles the device in the direction of the victim's home, tricking the car into thinking the key is close by.

Some experts suggest keeping your key fob in a metal container, signal-blocking pouch, or Faraday bag when not in use to avoid this type of theft. This is a simple but ineffective solution against modern relay devices. A steering wheel lock is a better choice, since it physically blocks the person who stole the vehicle from driving the vehicle once it was stolen.

Many vehicle manufacturers have attempted to tackle this problem by introducing features such as secure keyless entry systems, which use cryptographic techniques and time-sensitive codes to protect against relay attacks. Criminals have developed devices that can thwart these measures. As a result, the race is on to find a way to combat relay crime without comprising the convenience of keyless technology.

Hacking

A lot of new cars come with keyless entry systems that allow drivers to start and open their vehicle without having to use any physical button or key. These systems are vulnerable to a new type of theft. Thieves may use electronic devices to copy the signal from the key fob, and then transmit it to a transmitter that is held by an accomplice standing close to the vehicle. The person who stole the car then unlocks it and is able to drive away. This is known as relay attack and can be done within 20 to 30 seconds according to AAA.

Thieves typically use cheap devices to imitate the wireless signal from the key fob to record it and send it to an accomplice. When the victim clicks their key fob to lock or start the car, the criminal can pretend to be the owner of the car by transmitting a response to the car's system, making it think a genuine signal is being sent from the fob.

The more sophisticated thieves have developed devices that can plug into the On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD), which is located usually under the steering wheel. This port permits mechanics to connect diagnostic tools. The thief then downloads information from the computer of the car and creates an empty key fob that is compatible with the specifications of the car. This kind of hacking is possible with virtually all cars.

Some criminals have even used TikTok challenges to teach people how to create inexpensive amplifiers that increase the signal from a key fob and allow an accomplice to unlock the car from a distance, even though it's parked in the driveway. This has prompted companies such as Kia and Toyota to update their software that prevent this vulnerability.

Experts suggest that you store your keys to your car in a trunk, or a place further away from home, so that a burglar can't easily access the keys. You can also consider investing in RFID pouches to block the signal and prevent the use of your keys in a non-approved way. Some of these pouches come with mesh linings made of metal, and are available on the low end for around $10. Like your computer and phone it is essential to keep the software in your vehicle up-to date.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards

The latest car key fobs communicate with vehicles via radio signals, allowing owners of the cars to unlock and start their vehicles without touching a key. Unfortunately, these new technologies also increase the chance of theft. The signal from a keyfob could be recorded if the device is placed on a desk near the front door or in the wallet. Then, they can copy it using simple devices known as emulators, which are the size of handheld consoles. From there, they are able to open the car and drive it away in just a few minutes.

Typically, crooks work in pairs. One will stand outside your home, holding a relay amplifier and the other one will hold the device that collects the signal from a key fob. The thieves can then amplify the signal to make it strong enough to be able to bypass security systems inside your car.

Another popular tactic is to block communication between the key fob and the car. The thieves use signal jammers that emit the same radio frequency as a keyfob. The signal is blocked and blocks it from being picked up by the car. The lock button won't work.

Dealers of automobiles must be vigilant to protect their inventory from theft as thieves become more sophisticated. Dealerships must install high-security perimeter fencing that includes cameras and a secure entrance to ensure that thieves aren't able to drive in flatbeds and vehicles after hours. They should also educate employees on proper methods of handling keys, including securely locking cars and placing them in a secure location when they are not being used.

Luckily, technology is working to fight these new thieves and prevent car thefts. For instance, certain car manufacturers are developing key fobs that incorporate active RFID chips with 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 block the transmission of signals from a key fob the car. Other options include engraving the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), on the headlights, windows and mirrors to prevent the resale and reuse of your vehicle.

Theft of VIN

Keyless entry is useful, but check here it also opens up new possibilities for thieves to take cars. Your car will unlock the doors and start its engine when it recognises the signal sent by your wireless key fob or remote. If the signal isn't detected, your car will still lock but won't start. You need to hold the key to activate the starter.

This is why it's important to keep your key fob and remote out of sight, even when your car is in a parking spot. A criminal can hijack your signal using a small transmitter. Then, he can unlock your door and drive away without ever touching the ignition or key.

Criminals may even change the VIN and title of a stolen car to conceal their involvement. This is known as VIN switching and is on increasing. The thieves usually purchase damaged vehicles at an auction or from the police department and change the VIN. They then use the legal VIN of a different make and model to get a new title and registration and then sell it to people who are not aware.

The VIN is a popular way to deter theft. There are several firms that offer kits to do this and in some areas, the police department or AAA provides this service for free. It might seem counterintuitive to believe that etching can discourage thieves. In the end it makes it more difficult for dealers to purchase your car. A professional thief would avoid your vehicle because they know that etching can be a major obstacle to their pursuit.

The NICB provides a free VINCheck online service that will determine if your car has been reported stolen or salvaged, but was not yet recovered. The service requires an authentic VIN to conduct a search and is accessible on their website. There are a myriad of security equipment that can deter criminals in your vehicle. These include audible and visual devices that are able to deter criminals. Some of them include steering wheel locks alarms, window etching and window locks.