How Do Keyless Cars Get Stolen?

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The footage from the front-door security cameras shows that thieves employ devices to record signals that are sent by key fobs on a table or in a purse pocket, and then transmit them to the vehicle so that it can be opened and then started.

Relay Theft

Modern vehicles that are keyless are designed to simplify our lives by locking, unlocking and even start the car without the need to insert an actual key. However, criminals are making use of this very technology against us in the form of a new method called'relay theft'.

Two thieves collaborate to achieve this. The first thief is near your house and uses a device to boost the signal from your key fob. This signal is then sent to the second thief, who is located next to the car. The stolen signal fools the car's systems into thinking that the key fob is nearby, allowing thieves to unlock and get inside the vehicle. The thief then uses their device to start the car key stolen but not car and then drive off.

It's nice to know that a lot of car manufacturers are taking preventative measures against this new crime. For instance, Mercedes has created a key fob with a motion sensor that is put into sleep mode after about 40 seconds to guard against relay attacks. Other car companies are also implementing ways to help owners protect their vehicles against relay attacks. Kia, for example, offers its own faraday bag that helps block the signal of the car. Other manufacturers are also implementing features that let owners deactivate their keyless entry, or even install a tracking device to stop their vehicle being stolen.

Professional criminals and Internet thieves gangs are able to use relay attack tools. Often, they focus on desirable models of cars and van. Unfortunately, many security systems for cars fail to detect the crime because a physical breach is required.

We must be aware of the fact that car thefts are increasing. Combining several strategies can reduce the risk of your car being stolen. You can take steps like storing your keys in metal containers, using a Faraday bag to shield the signal or disable keyless entry.

Signal Jamming

If a vehicle is stolen it is crucial to be aware of the ways in which the crime takes place. It's not as easy as smashing a window and then hotwiring it, because crooks are now able to steal keyless cars stolen with keyless entry using technology that allows them to bypass the car's security systems.

The new method to steal cars is known as "relay theft". The thieves use electronic devices that capture the signal from the car owner's key fob, and then transmit it to a device located close to the vehicle, which tricks the car into thinking that its owner was there by opening the door and then starting up the engine. It can be accomplished in as little as 60 seconds according to security experts.

In fact relay thefts have been so effective that they've pushed some manufacturers to upgrade their systems. That's why it's so important to stay current with the latest security systems available for your vehicle and to use them in a safe manner.

One way to avoid this type of crime is to safeguard your keys by using something known as Faraday pouches, or boxes. These boxes and pouches are lined with conductory metal mesh to stop the transmission of electromagnetic signals, making it impossible for criminals to steal your car. They are available in a variety of hardware stores and on the internet for a reasonable price. Experts recommend testing them before you purchase to ensure they work.

If you don't own one you can lock your car by hand. Always make sure that it's locked before you leave. You should also look around your immediate area to see if anyone is in the area. If a criminal thinks they've been spotted, they will likely move on.

You should also park your car in a secure garage or on streets that are not directly adjacent to your home. This will prevent thieves from capturing and amplifying the signal from your electronic devices at home to gain access to your car. You should also be cautious of parking too close to a neighbouring vehicle, as this can cause the same problem.

Reprogramming

Modern vehicles often have keyless ignition systems that use wireless fobs to open and start the vehicle. While this technology makes it simpler for drivers to unlock and start their cars however, it also opens the door for thieves. The theft of an unlocked vehicle is more prevalent today than ever before.

Instead of slamming into a window to gain entry the thieves now have simple tools and technologies to duplicate the signal from your key fob. The signal is amplified and is able to override the computer of the car to allow it to unlock and start the vehicle. This is referred to as a relay attack and is the easiest way to steal a keyless car.

Relay attacks can take place in a number of ways, but they generally involve two individuals working together. One person will be near the vehicle of choice with a device that can pick up the signal from the key fob and amplify it. The other will stand near the house and transmit the amplified signal to the key fob. This allows the car to unlock and start. The crooks can then escape in the vehicle.

Researchers have been able, by extending the range of the key fob's signal to block relay attacks. This is the reason it's so important to keep your key fob away from your home and place it in a Faraday-style case or a similar blocking device for signals, when you're not using it.

Another way to steal the car's keys is to hack into the on-board diagnostics port. These ports are located in the footwell of the front of many automobiles. They allow mechanics to connect diagnostic tools to the vehicle's computers. Hackers have created devices that connect to this port in order to allow the computer to boot of the car, and then program a blank remote control. This method requires more sophistication and knowledge of electronics, but savvy thieves are already employing it to steal cars.

It doesn't matter if they're using devices to jam or reprogramming tool it's now possible for thieves to access and steal newer automobile models that aren't protected by traditional security measures. If you operate a dealership, it's essential to educate your employees on how to avoid this type of theft.

Using Transponder Devices

The key fob emits an indication to the my car key was stolen to unlock and start. But thieves can use an inexpensive handheld device to amplify that signal, allowing them to get into the vehicle and then drive off. Signal relaying is one of the most commonly used methods for modern cars to be taken. Crooks can usually do it in just 60 minutes. Often, thieves will work in pairs. One person will be seated with the transmitter device that receives the transmission from the key, while the other is walking around the house external walls using the relay amplifier, looking for a signal that is faintly transmitted by the fob of your car. If they find it, they can then copy the signal and transmit it to their transmitter so that it can be copied by your vehicle.

Another technique is to block the signals that the key fob transmits to the vehicle. This is also a common practice, and it's difficult to stop. This is the reason it's so important to keep your key fobs away from view when you're not using them.

Some thieves even employ sophisticated hacking tools to get into the system that locks and then starts the engine. These devices can be bought on Amazon and eBay for just $100, and a few of them can be used for up to 50 feet from the key fob. They connect to the car's onboard diagnostic port (OBD port) and then boot an application that will reprogram the key fob with a blank code to unlock the car and start it.

You must do everything you can as a dealer to prevent this type of theft from happening on your lot. Install fences that are secure to stop all entrances after hours, and train employees on the best practices for the safekeeping and return of key fobs at the conclusion of the day.

Some experts believe that a new type of method will become increasingly popular as more and more automobiles are designed to communicate with their owners using apps that run on the driver's mobile. This kind of theft is already becoming more frequent, and it could be more serious in the future. If thieves get access to your smartphone, they can make use of it to reprogram your keys, which could disable the immobilizer system that prevents your vehicle from starting if the incorrect electronic key is used.