5 Car Stolen Keyless Entry Tips From The Professionals

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Keyless Entry and Car Theft

The number of car thefts is increasing and thieves are finding new ways to break into vehicles. One of the most popular methods is keyless entry.

The days of thieves smashed windows and hotwired cars to steal them. They can now hack into the computers of a vehicle in a matter of minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction of the technology known as Push-to-Start, millions of drivers have enjoyed the convenience of having the ability to start their car without needing keys. Unfortunately, the same convenience can make vehicles vulnerable to theft. Particularly thieves have been able employ a new method known as the relay attack to steal cars in seconds. This method makes use of an instrument to record and amplify the signal from your car's key fob, permitting thieves to unlock the car and drive away.

The relay attack is a variation of an older technique known as Man-in-the Middle attacks. This type of attack can be employed in cybersecurity to intercept communication between two parties and alter it without either party being aware of. In the scenario of a relay attack the attacker employs a device to intercept the signal from your car's key fob and then transmits that signal to a different device that is close by. The second device is able to open the door and begin the engine, effectively taking your vehicle away in a matter of minutes.

Criminals can conduct an attack using a cheap and readily available device to pick up the signal from the key fob. Usually, thieves work in pairs, with one holding the relay amplifier and the other standing near the victim's house. The thief swizzles the device in the direction of the home of the victim, luring the car into thinking that the key is nearby.

Some experts suggest storing your key fob in a metal container, signal-blocking pouch or Faraday bag when not in use to stop this type of theft. This is a basic but ineffective method against modern relay devices. The best option is to purchase a steering wheel lock, that physically blocks the thief's ability to steer the vehicle after it is stolen.

Many vehicle manufacturers have attempted to address this issue by introducing features like secure keyless entry systems that rely on cryptographic techniques and time-sensitive codes to guard against relay attacks. Criminals have developed devices that can thwart these measures. The race is now on to find a solution for the problem of relay crime that does not hinder the ease of technology that does not require keys.

Hacking

Many new cars are fitted with keyless entry systems which let drivers open and start their car without needing a physical key or button. These systems are susceptible to a new type of theft. The thieves can use electronic devices that copy the signal from the key fob, and transmit it to an accomplice who holds an electronic transmitter near the vehicle. The thief then unlocks the vehicle and takes off. According to AAA, this method is known as a relay attack. It can be completed in 20 to 30 second.

Thieves typically use cheap devices that mimic wireless key fob signal to capture it and transmit it to an accomplice. When the victim presses their key fob to lock or open the car, the thief can pretend to be the owner of the car by sending a signal to the car's system, making it believe that a genuine signal is being sent through the fob.

The more sophisticated thieves have designed devices that can plug into the On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD), which is usually located beneath the steering wheel. This port permits mechanics to connect diagnostic tools. The thief then downloads data from the computer of the car and creates an unlocked key fob that matches the specifications of the car. This kind of hacking can be done on nearly all vehicles.

Some criminals have even used TikTok challenges to teach people how to make cheap amplifiers that boost the signal of the key fob, and permit an accomplice to unlock the car from a distance while it's parked on the driveway. This method has led companies like Kia to release software updates that block the vulnerability.

Experts recommend that you keep your keys to your car in a trunk, or a space that is click here far from home, so that a burglar isn't able to easily access them. You can also consider investing in RFID pouches to block the signal and prevent unauthorised use. Some of these pouches come with mesh linings made of metal, and can be purchased at a price that is around $10. Like your computer and phone, it's important to keep the software in your vehicle up-to date.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards

The latest car key fobs connect to vehicles using radio signals, which allows owners of the cars to unlock and start their cars without touching a key. Unfortunately, these new technologies also increase the risk of theft. The signal from a keyfob's sensor can be captured if the fob is left on a table near the front door or in the wallet. Then, they can copy it using simple devices called emulators, that are the size of handheld consoles. From there, they can open the car and take it away in a matter of minutes.

The crooks usually work in pairs. One will stand outside your house holding a relay amplifier and the other one will hold the device that captures the signal from a key fob. The thieves can then amplify the signal until it becomes strong enough to evade security systems in your car.

Another popular tactic is to block the communication between the key fob and the car. The thieves employ signal jammers that emit the same radio frequency as a key fob. This blocks the signal and blocks it from being recognized by the car. The lock button is not working.

As thieves become more sophisticated in their techniques and techniques, dealers must be on guard to protect their inventory. Dealerships need to implement high-security perimeter fencing, with cameras and a secure entryway so that thieves can't drive in flatbeds and vehicles after hours. They should also train their employees on proper handling of keys, including locking cars securely and keeping keys in a safe place when not in use.

Fortunately, technology is helping stop car thefts and combat the new thieves. For instance, some car makers are developing key fobs that incorporate active RFID chips with frequency-hopping technology to make it harder for thieves to amplify the signal from the key. Faraday cages are another way to block signals from a keyfob to the vehicle. Other defenses include etching last seven numbers 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 convenient but it also opens up new opportunities for thieves to rob vehicles. If your car detects the signal from your remote or wireless key fob, it will open the door and begin the engine. If the signal is not recognized, your car will lock, but it won't start. You need to hold the key to turn on the starter.

This is the reason it's crucial to keep your key fob and remote out of view even when your vehicle is parked. A criminal could steal your signal with a tiny transmitter. Then, he's able to open your door and leave without ever having to touch the actual ignition or key.

In some cases, criminals are even able to swap out the vehicle's VIN and title to conceal their involvement in the stolen vehicle. This practice is referred to as VIN switching and is currently on increasing. The thieves will usually buy damaged vehicles at auction or from the police department and then alter the VIN. They then use the genuine VIN of a different make and model to get a new title and registration, and then sell it to unsuspecting buyers.

A popular method of deterring theft is to have your VIN etched into the windshield of your car. There are many firms that offer kits to do this, and in certain areas, the police department or AAA offers this service for no cost. It is a bit counterintuitive to think that etching could deter thieves, as it makes your car more difficult to sell to chop shops and other dealers. A professional thief would avoid your vehicle because they know that etching is a major obstacle to their pursuit.

The NICB also provides a free VINCheck service online to determine whether your vehicle is reported as salvaged or stolen vehicle, but not yet recovered. The service is available only on their website and requires an authentic VIN. There are also a range of security equipment that can deter criminals in your vehicle. They include audible and visual devices that discourage criminals. Some of them include the locking of your steering wheel, alarms and window etching.