Why Car Stolen Keyless Entry Is Still Relevant In 2024

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Keyless Entry and Car Theft

Car theft is on the rise, and thieves have found new ways to enter vehicles. One of the most popular methods is keyless entry.

The days of stealing cars through breaking windows and hotwiring them are gone. They can now hack into a vehicle's computer systems within minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction of the technology known as Push-to-Start, millions of drivers have benefited from being able to start their car without reaching for a key. However, this same convenience makes vehicles more vulnerable to theft. Particularly the past, thieves have been able utilize a technique that is called the relay attack to steal cars in a matter of seconds. This technique uses devices that amplify and capture the signal that is sent from the key fob of your car, which allows thieves to unlock your car 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 can be employed in cybersecurity to snoop on communications between two parties and alter it without either party knowing. In the case of a relay attack the attacker uses a device to capture the signal from your car's key fob, then transmits the signal to a second device located close to. This second device is able to open the door and start the engine, effectively taking your vehicle away in a matter of minutes.

In order to carry out an attack using relays the criminals require a cheap, readily available device that is able to pick up and amplify the signal from your key fob. Usually, thieves work in pairs, with one person holding the relay amplifier and the other standing near the home of the victim. The thief will then wave the device in front of the victim's house and tricks the car into thinking that the key fob stolen what to do is within range and allows it to be opened and started.

To avoid this kind of theft, experts suggest that you store your key fob when it is not in use in a metallic container or pouch. This is a simple but ineffective solution against modern relay devices. A better alternative is to purchase a steering wheel lock, which physically blocks the criminal's ability to steer the vehicle after it is stolen car keys replacement.

Many car manufacturers have attempted to address this problem by introducing features such as secure keyless entry systems that use encryption techniques and time-sensitive codes to protect against relay attacks. Criminals have created 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 technology that does not require keys.

Hacking

Many new cars are equipped with keyless entry systems, which allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without the need for an actual button or key. However, these systems can be vulnerable to a new type of theft. The thieves may employ electronic devices that copy the signal of the key fob, and then transmit it to a accomplice who holds an electronic transmitter near the vehicle. The criminal then unlocks the vehicle and takes off. According to AAA the method is known as a relay attack. It can be accomplished in 20 to 30 second.

Thieves often employ cheap devices that mimic the wireless key fob signal to record it and send it to an accomplice. The thief then appears to be the owner of the car when the victim presses the key fob button to start or shut the car. They do this by sending a response that appears to the car's computer as a genuine signal.

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

Some thieves have even used 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 method has led to manufacturers such as Kia and Toyota to perform software updates which stop this vulnerability.

Experts suggest keeping your car keys away from home, and even in the trunk, so that thieves have a tough time accessing them. You can also buy RFID pouches that help protect the signal from unauthorised use. They can be purchased for less than $10. Some come with metal mesh linings. It's also important to keep your car's software up-to date, just as you would on your computer and phone.

Radio Frequency Identification Cards

The latest car key fobs communicate with vehicles using radio signals, allowing the owners of cars to open and start their cars without touching a key. Unfortunately, these new technologies are also increasing the possibility of theft. Thieves can steal the signal from a key fob if it is Left Keys In Car Stolen on a table near the front door of the house or in a pocket, and they can copy the signal using devices the size of handheld gaming consoles referred to as emulators. From there, they are able to open the car and drive it away in minutes.

Typically, crooks work in pairs. The crooks typically work in pairs. One of them will be outside your home equipped with a relay amplifier and the other one will be carrying a device that records a signal from a keyfob. The thieves can then amplify the signal to make it strong enough to be able to bypass security systems in your car.

Another strategy is to simply jam the communication between the key fob and the car. The thieves do this using signal jammers that emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. This muddles the signal, stopping it from being interpreted by the car, which prevents the lock button from functioning.

As thieves become more sophisticated in their methods auto dealers must be alert in securing their inventory. Dealerships should install high-security perimeter fences, with cameras and secure entrances, so that thieves cannot drive flatbeds on cars after hours. They should also train their employees on proper handling of keys, which includes locking cars securely and keeping keys safely when not when not in use.

Fortunately, technology is helping to stop car thefts and fight these new thieves. For instance, certain car manufacturers are developing key fobs that incorporate active RFID chips that incorporate frequency-hopping technology to make it more difficult for thieves to amplify the signal from the key. Faraday cages are another way to prevent signals from a keyfob's signal to the car. Other options include etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the headlights, windows and mirrors to stop reuse or re-sale of your vehicle.

Theft of VIN

While keyless access is great for convenience, it also creates new opportunities for criminals to steal cars. If your car was stolen with keys inside detects a signal sent from your remote or wireless key fob, it will unlock the door and start the engine. However, if the signal isn't detected the car will lock, but it will not start. You must hold the key in order to start the starter.

Even if your car is parked, it is essential to keep your remote and key fob hidden. A criminal can hijack your signal with a tiny transmitter. Then, he's able to open your door and drive off without ever touching the actual ignition or key.

In certain instances criminals are capable of swapping out a vehicle's VIN and title to conceal their involvement in the theft of the car. This practice, known as VIN-switching, is on the increase. The thieves will usually buy damaged vehicles through auctions or the police department, and then modify 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 uninitiated buyers.

A popular theft deterrent is to have your VIN inscribed into the windshield of your car. There are a number of companies that offer kits for this, and in some areas, the police department or AAA provides this service for free. It's a bit odd that etching could discourage thieves, since it makes your car difficult to sell to chop shops and other dealers. A professional thief would avoid your vehicle because they know that etching is a significant obstacle to their pursuit.

The NICB offers a free VINCheck online service that will determine if your vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged, but was not yet recovered. The service is only available on their website and requires the use of a valid VIN. In addition, a wide assortment of security products available for your car as well as visible and audible devices that serve as a deterrent to criminals. Some of them include the locking of your steering wheel alarms, window etching and window locks.