Why Everyone Is Talking About Car Stolen Keyless Entry Right Now

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Keyless Entry and Car Theft

Car theft is on the rise and thieves have found new ways to get into vehicles. One of the most common methods is keyless entry.

There is no longer a time when thieves broke windows and wired vehicles to steal. They can now hack into the computer systems of a vehicle in minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction of technology called Push-to-Start millions of drivers have enjoyed the convenience of having the ability to start their vehicle without having to reach for a key. Unfortunately, the same convenience makes vehicles more vulnerable to theft. In particular, thieves have been able employ a new method known as the relay attack to steal cars within seconds. This technique makes use of an amplifier to record and amplify the signal sent by the car's keyfob. It allows thieves to unlock the vehicle and drive off.

The relay attack is actually a variation of an older technique referred to as Man-in-the Middle attacks. This kind of attack can be employed in cybersecurity to intercept communication between two parties and alter it without the other knowing. In a relay attack, the attacker employs an electronic device that can capture and transmit the signal from the fob of the key in your car to a device in the vicinity. The second device is able to open the door and begin your car's engine in seconds.

To carry out an attack via relay, criminals simply need an affordable, easily accessible device that can pick up and amplify the signal emanating from your key fob. Usually, thieves operate in pairs, with one person holding the relay amplifier and the other person standing outside near the victim's house. The thief will then wave the device in front of the home of the victim, which tricks the car into thinking the key is within range and allows it to unlock and start.

To avoid this kind of theft, some experts recommend that you store your key fob when it is not in use in a metallic container or pouch. This is a simple but ineffective method against modern relay devices. A steering wheel lock is a much better option, as it physically prevents the thief from driving the vehicle once it's been stolen.

Many vehicle manufacturers have attempted to address this issue by introducing features like secure keyless entry systems that rely on cryptographic methods and time-sensitive codes to guard against relay attacks. However, criminals have been able to develop devices that defeat these measures. The race is now on to find a solution for criminals who relay information that doesn't interfere with the security of technology that is keyless.

Hacking

Many new cars come with keyless entry systems that permit users to open and start their car without any physical button or key. These systems are vulnerable to a new kind of theft. Thieves can use electronic devices to copy the signal from the key fob and transmit it to a transmitter that is held by an accomplice who is close to the vehicle. The thief is then able to unlock the car and drive off. According to AAA, this method is known as relay attack. It can be completed in between 20 and 30 seconds.

Often, thieves can make use of inexpensive devices that mimic wireless key fob signals to capture the signal and relay it to a accomplice. The thief can then pretend 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 system as an authentic signal.

More sophisticated thieves have created devices that plug into the car's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, which is usually situated under the steering wheel and allows mechanics to connect a diagnostic tool. The criminal can download data from the car's computer and create an empty key fob that matches the specifications of the car. This type of hacking can be done on nearly all vehicles.

Some thieves have used TikTok challenges as a way to train people to create inexpensive amplifiers that boost the signal from a key fob, allowing an accomplice to open the door when it is parked in the driveway. This technique has led manufacturers like Kia to release software updates that mitigate the vulnerability.

Experts recommend keeping your car keys in a trunk or space that is far from home to ensure that thieves isn't able to easily access them. You can also purchase RFID pouches to help shield the signal from misuse. These pouches can be bought for just $10. Some have metal mesh linings. Like your phone and computer it's essential to keep the software in your car up-to-date.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards

The most recent car key fobs utilize radio signals to communicate with the vehicle, allowing owners to unlock their cars and start them without needing to touch the key. Unfortunately, these new technologies are also increasing the possibility of theft. Thieves can capture the signal from a key fob when it is placed on a table close to the front door of the home or in a pocket and they can copy the signal with simple devices that are the size of handheld gaming consoles referred to as emulators. They can get more info then open the car in a matter of minutes and drive away.

The crooks usually work in pairs. The crooks typically operate in pairs. One of them will be in front of your home with a relay amplifier and the other one will be carrying a device that captures the signal from the keyfob. The crooks can then amplify the signal until it is strong enough to disable the security systems in your car.

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

Auto dealers must be vigilant to guard their inventory as thieves get more sophisticated. Dealerships need to install high-security perimeter fences, with cameras and secure entrances so that thieves can't drive flatbeds on cars after hours. They should also train employees on proper methods of handling keys, including securely locking cars and keeping them in a secure location when not being used.

Fortunately, technology is working to stop these new thieves and stop car thefts. For instance, some automobile manufacturers are creating key fobs that use active RFID chips with frequency-hopping technology to make it more difficult for thieves to amplify the signal emanating from the key. Faraday cages are another method to stop signals from a keyfob to the car. Other options include engraving the last seven digits from your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), on the windows, headlights and mirrors to prevent the resale or reuse of your vehicle.

VIN Theft

While keyless entry is great for convenience, it also creates new opportunities for thieves to steal vehicles. Your car will open the doors and start the engine if it recognises the signal sent by your wireless remote or key fob. If the signal isn't recognised, your vehicle will still lock, but it won't start. This is because you have to hold the key in your hands to press an appropriate button on the fob to start the starter.

Even when your vehicle is parked, it's essential to keep your remote and key fob hidden. Criminals can steal your signal using a small transmitter. Then, he can unlock your door without removing the ignition or the key.

Criminals are even able to swap out the VIN and the title of a stolen vehicle to hide their involvement. This practice, also known as VIN-switching, is currently on the increase. The thieves typically purchase damaged vehicles at an auction or from the police department and alter the VIN. They then take a valid VIN from another model and an attempt to get a new registration and title, and then sell the vehicle to unwitting buyers.

A popular theft deterrent is to have your VIN written into the windshield of your car. There are a number of companies that provide kits to do this and in some locations the police department or AAA provides this service for free. 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. However, a professional criminal is aware that etching is an important obstacle and will probably deter them from stealing your vehicle.

The NICB also provides a free online VINCheck service to check whether your vehicle has been reported as a salvaged or stolen and is not yet recovered. The service requires a valid VIN to conduct a search and is available through their website. There are also a range of security devices that deter criminals from your vehicle. These include audible as well as visual devices that are able to deter criminals. Some of these include steering wheel locks alarms, window etching and window locks.