Kiera Wrigley asked 1 เดือน ago
Keyless Entry and Car Theft
The number of car thefts is rising, and thieves are finding new ways to get into vehicles. Keyless entry is among the most commonly used methods.
Gone are the days when thieves broke windows and wired cars to steal. They are now able to hack the computers of a vehicle in minutes.
Relay Attack
Since the introduction to the Push-to Start technology, millions of people have been able to be capable to start their vehicles without needing to look for keys to their car. However, this same convenience makes vehicles more vulnerable to theft. The relay attack is a brand new method that thieves can employ to steal cars in just a few minutes. This technique makes use of an amplifier to capture and amplify the signal generated by your car’s keyfob. It allows thieves to unlock the car and then drive away.
Relay attacks are a variant of an older technique known as Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This type of attack is employed in cybersecurity to disrupt and alter the communication between two entities without either party being aware of it. In the scenario of a relay attack, the attacker uses a device to record the signal from your car’s key fob and then transmits that signal to another device that is nearby. The second device is able to open the door and begin the engine of your vehicle in just a few seconds.
To perform an attack using relays criminals need only an inexpensive, readily available device that can pick up and amplify the signal from your key fob. Most often, thieves operate in pairs. One person will hold the relay amplifier, while another is outside, near the victim’s house. The thief swizzles the device towards the victim’s home, tricking the car into thinking that the key is in close proximity.
To prevent this type theft, some experts suggest that you keep your key fob when not in use in a metallic container or pouch. But, this is a simple solution that has been proved to not work against modern relay devices. A better alternative is to purchase an ignition lock for the steering wheel, which physically blocks the thief’s ability to steer the vehicle once it’s taken.
Many vehicle manufacturers have attempted to tackle this issue by introducing features like secure keyless entry systems, which use encryption techniques and time-sensitive codes in order to protect against relay attacks. However criminals have managed to develop devices that defeat these measures. This is why the race is on to find a solution to relay crime without comprising the convenience of technology that is keyless.
Hacking
Many new cars come with keyless entry systems that permit drivers to open and start their car without any physical button or key. However, these systems can be vulnerable to a new kind of theft. Thieves could employ 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 criminal then unlocks the vehicle and drives away. This is known as relay attack. It can be done within 20 to 30 seconds, according to AAA.
Thieves often employ cheap devices to imitate wireless key fob signal to capture it and transmit it to a partner. 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 accomplish this by sending a response that appears to the car’s computer as authentic signal.
The more sophisticated thieves have created devices that connect to the On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD) which is located usually under the steering wheel. This port allows mechanics to connect diagnostic tools. The thief downloads the information from the computer of the car and creates an unlocked key fob that matches the my car was stolen with the keys in it‘s specifications. Nearly all cars are vulnerable to this type of hacking.
Some thieves have used TikTok challenges as a way to teach people to make cheap amplifiers which boost the signal of a key fob, allowing an accomplice to unlock the car even when it is in the driveway. This has led to manufacturers like Kia to release software updates that mitigate the vulnerability.
Experts suggest that you store your keys to your car in a trunk or a place further away from home to ensure that thieves cannot easily gain access to the keys. You can also purchase RFID pouches to protect the signal from unauthorised use. Some of these pouches come with mesh linings made of metal, and can be purchased on the low end for about $10. Similar to your phone and computer, it’s important to keep the software on your car up-to-date.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards
The latest Car Stolen Keyless Entry key fobs use radio signals to communicate with the vehicle which allows owners to unlock their vehicles and even start them without having to touch a key. However, these new technologies are also increasing the possibility of theft. Thieves are able to steal the signal from a key fob when it is left on a table close to the front door of the house or in a pocket, and they can copy the signal with simple devices the size of handheld gaming consoles referred to as emulators. Once they have it, they can open the car and take it away in a matter of minutes.
The crooks usually work in pairs. The crooks usually operate in pairs. One will stand outside of your house with a relay amplifier, and the other one will be carrying a device that records the signal from the keyfob. The thieves will then increase the signal until it is strong enough to evade your car’s security systems.
Another technique that is popular is blocking the communication between keyfob and vehicle. Thieves do this by using signal jammers that emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. This jams the signal and blocks it from being picked up by the car. The lock button won’t work.
Dealers of automobiles must be vigilant to guard their inventory as thieves become more sophisticated. Dealerships must install high-security perimeter fencing, with cameras and a secure entryway to prevent thieves from driving in flatbeds with vehicles after hours. They should also train their employees on the proper handling of keys, which includes locking vehicles securely and storing keys in a safe place when not when not in use.
Technology is helping to stop car thefts and fight these new thieves. Some car manufacturers are developing key fobs that have active RFID chips and frequency-hopping technology that makes it more difficult for thieves to amplify the signal from the keys. Faraday cages are another method to stop signals from a keyfob’s to the vehicle. Other options include etching the last seven numbers of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the windows, headlights and mirrors to prevent the sale or reuse of your vehicle.
VIN Theft
While keyless access is great for convenience, it also creates new opportunities for criminals to steal vehicles. Your car will open the doors and start the engine when it recognizes the signal sent by your wireless remote or key fob. If the signal isn’t acknowledged, the vehicle will still be locked, but it will not start. You need to hold the key to turn on the starter.
This is the reason it’s crucial to keep your remote and key fob out of sight, even when your car is in a parking spot. A criminal could use a tiny transmitter to intercept your signal and steal it. Then, he can unlock your door and drive off without ever touching the ignition or key.
Criminals are even able to swap out the VIN and title of a stolen car key replacement vehicle to hide their involvement. This technique, referred to as VIN-switching, is on increasing. The thieves will usually buy damaged vehicles at auction or from the police department and change the VIN. They then use the legitimate VIN of a different model and model to obtain an updated registration and title, and then sell it to unsuspecting buyers.
The VIN is a popular way to stop theft. There are many firms that offer kits for 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 vehicle more difficult to sell to chop shops and other dealers. A professional thief will avoid your car due to the fact that they know that etching is a major obstruction.
The NICB provides a free VINCheck online service to determine if your vehicle was ever reported as stolen or salvaged, but has not yet recovered. The service requires an active VIN to conduct a search and is available through their website. In addition, a large range of products to deter crime are available for your car keys stolen that include audible and visible devices that act as a deterrent to criminals. Some of these include steering wheel locks as well as alarms and window etching.
