How To Outsmart Your Boss In Keyless Car Stolen
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How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern vehicles with keyless locks are a popular target for thieves. There are a few simple deterrents that can help.
One of the latest tactics used by tech-savvy thieves is called relay theft. This involves two thieves working together to gain access to the vehicle. They employ a device that captures the signal from your keyfob and transmits it to the vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
It's an amazing feeling to own a keyless vehicle, but it also makes your car ripe for theft. Criminals quickly learn to take advantage of the latest technology. There are ways to avoid your car being stolen without requiring entry.
In the past, thieves looking to steal a car would require keys or wire it. They now have the ability to use sophisticated technology to hack cars that are keyless and even start them up. 92% of the cars recovered by UK car security firm Tracker in 2019 were stolen in this manner.
To make the most of this technology, criminals use electronic signal relay devices to hijack the signal being transmitted from the key fob in a vehicle's ignition. They can be purchased on the internet for as little as PS80. They can transmit the same signal to vehicles nearby and trick it into unlocking and starting itself.
After the car has been started, the thief can drive off without leaving a trace. As a result, keyless car theft is increasing. In the US the theft of cars that are keyless can account for up to 65percent of car thefts. This could lead to an increase in insurance premium.
While specific information on keyless car theft is hard to find however, it is safe to say that vehicles with push-to start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than those that require the use of a physical key to get into the ignition. Other factors that affect the vulnerability of a car include its popularity among thieves and their brand, model and name, and its security protocols.
Despite the efforts made by manufacturers to close these loopholes certain keyless vehicles are more vulnerable to attack than others. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to evaluate the resistance of a range of models to keyless theft. They rated them as Basic, Poor or Superior based on the extent to which they were able to resist this method. As such, it's important to take extra security measures if your vehicle has keyless entry or start features.
What Happens?
As cars advanced as they have advanced, thieves have been experimenting with methods to break into them. This includes stealing keyless vehicles with technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to unlock and start the vehicle. The risks are greater for luxury cars that are newer. According to the latest figures from the English Home Office, keyless entry is the main reason for around half of the vehicle thefts. Interestingly, older luxury models that utilize a proximity key, but do not include a button to start the car are also popular targets for thieves.
The introduction of keyless ignitions and remote locking systems has allowed thieves to gain entry into your vehicle from an inaccessible distance. Thieves have invented devices that can detect a signal from the car's key fob and amplify it before they transmit it to an emulator -- essentially a fake car key. This device then emulates the signal of your car key which allows it to unlock and start your car.
This type of hacking According to the CBC is increasing. Thieves are able to get into cars in a matter of less than 20 seconds and steal them. This is because keyless systems don't require drivers to carry their key in their pocket or hand.
Two years ago in Toronto, a man found his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlight removed not twice, but just once within three months. He realized that this was not just vandalism, but part of a sophisticated scheme to steal keyless vehicles.
These thieves work in teams and are known as "relay attackers." The relay amplifier is held by one person, whereas the other person holds the device that picks the remote control signal of your car and transmit it to the amplified device. This can trick your car into believing that your key fob is nearby, allowing it to open doors and then drive away.
Some drivers are implementing security systems that are made by third parties to stop this from happening, but the best defense is to keep your key fob inside a metal container or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday pouch. They are reasonably priced and can be purchased online.
Deterrents
Modern thieves use specialist devices to snoop on the signal relays sent out via key fobs. If they have it, they can duplicate the code to unlock the vehicle and then start the engine. The best deterrent is to make sure that the key fob is not placed in the range of the car when it is in a garage, preferably in a garage. You can also place the key in a container made of metal or Faraday pouch to prevent its signal from being detected. You can also buy an electronic device to car was stolen with keys inside track your car. It won't stop the car from being stolen but can aid in finding it later.
Two criminals working together to steal your car from the outside is one of the most alarming types of keyless car burglary. One of the thieves stands near the car they want to steal with wireless transmitters that pick up the signal from the owner's authentic digital key fob and transmits it to a second box which is positioned next to, or held in, the target vehicle. This tricked the car into thinking that the owner has pressed the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The other thief drives away in the car.
Certain experts recommend expensive after-market systems to prevent this kind of crime. However, they aren't always effective and can be easily defeated if criminals are equipped with the proper knowledge and technology. It is more beneficial to invest in deterrents that make it harder for thieves to steal your car, like a steering lock which makes it hard for thieves to escape.
Install motion-detection lighting around your home and garage to scare away thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras that will catch criminals in their actions. Another simple but effective deterrent is to park your vehicle in a well-lit, visible area. This will discourage thieves who are more likely to be opportunists than targeted thieves from attempting to take your vehicle.
Consider buying a keyless lock that only the owner of the vehicle knows the security code. This system is only on some newer models and requires a professional installation. However, it could be well worth the cost as it makes your car less attractive to thieves.
Prevention
It is becoming more important for vehicle owners, as the incidence of theft through keyless keys rises to take effective preventative measures. These may include storing smart keys in a Faraday pouch or box when not in use. These items are equipped with a metal liner that blocks radio signals, thereby hindering thieves from stealing and copying them. Additionally, installing a steering wheel lock or immobilizer could be an deterrent and also physically stop the steering wheel from turning, or the engine from starting, should a criminal be successful in gaining access to the keyless entry system.
Another strategy involves parking the car in a more secure location in a safe distance from windows and doors. This could confuse thieves, making it difficult for them to recognize the car's owner. Etching the VIN on headlights and windows is also a good deterrent as it makes it difficult to duplicate stolen vehicles.
Dealerships can assist in preventing keyless car theft by instituting strict security measures. Dealerships should educate their employees on the importance and best practices of key inventory and handling of vehicles. They can do this by installing fencing around their perimeters and establishing a designated vehicle storage area. Additionally, dealerships must regularly review their inventory to find any anomalies.
In some cases, thieves may attempt to circumvent security features built into the car through an electronic device that connects into the computer in the vehicle. These devices are typically plugged into the diagnostic port, which is usually located in the front footwell of most cars. The thieves can program the remote with blank code to start the vehicle without the owner's permission.
Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim of car key theft. You can prevent criminals from gaining access to your car's computer by using a shielded radio antenna and remove or hide any electronics in the vehicle, and store the key fob inside the Faraday pouch or box. You can also install a GPS tracker or an immobilizer to increase the likelihood of locating your car after it is stolen, and help police in catching the criminals responsible. Contact an auto electric expert to find out what preventative measures are most suitable for you and your car.