It's Time To Upgrade Your Car Stolen Keyless Entry Options

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Keyless Entry and Car Theft

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

There is no longer a time when thieves broke windows and hotwired cars to steal. They are now able to hack the computers of a vehicle in a matter of minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction of Push-to-Start technology millions of drivers have benefited from being able to start their vehicle without having to reach for a key. However, this convenience can make vehicles susceptible to theft. Particularly the past, thieves have been able to use a new technique called the relay attack to steal cars in a matter of seconds. This method uses an instrument to amplify and capture the signal by the key fob of your car, allowing thieves to unlock and then drive away.

Relay attacks are a variation on an older technique known 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 not knowing. In a relay attack, the attacker employs an electronic device that can capture and transmit the signal from the key fob in your car to another device in the vicinity. This second device is able to open the door and begin the engine, effectively taking your vehicle away in a matter of minutes.

Criminals can perform an attack making use of a low-cost and readily available device to pick up the signal from a key fob. Usually, thieves operate in pairs, with one holding the relay amplifier and the other standing near the victim's house. The thief swizzles the device towards the home of the victim, luring the car into thinking that the key is close by.

To avoid this kind of theft, some experts suggest that you keep your key fob when it is not in use in a metal container or pouch. But it is a straightforward solution that has been proven to not work against modern relay devices. A steering wheel lock is a much superior option, since it physically prevents the thief from driving the vehicle once it has been taken.

Many car makers have attempted to resolve this issue by introducing features such as secure keyless entry systems, that use cryptographic methods and time-sensitive codes to protect against relay attacks. Criminals have developed devices that can thwart these measures. The race is now on to find a solution to relay crime that does not interfere with the security of technology that does not require keys.

Hacking

A lot of new cars come with keyless entry systems, which let drivers open and start their vehicle without needing an actual button or key. However, these systems could be susceptible to a different kind of theft. Thieves may use electronic devices to copy the signal from the key fob and transmit it to a transmitter held by an accomplice standing near to the car. The thief can then unlock the vehicle and then drive away. According to AAA this method is referred to as a relay attack. It can be completed in between 20 and 30 seconds.

Thieves often employ cheap devices to mimic wireless key fob signal to record it and send it to a partner. When the victim presses their key fob to unlock or start the car, the criminal can pretend to be the owner of the car by transmitting a response to the car's system, making it believe that a legitimate signal is being sent from the fob.

The more sophisticated thieves have developed devices that plug into the On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD), which is located usually beneath the steering wheel. This port allows mechanics to connect diagnostic tools. The thief then downloads information from the computer of the car and creates a blank key fob matching the specifications of the car. This type of hacking is possible on virtually all cars.

Some thieves have even used TikTok challenges to instruct people on how to build inexpensive amplifiers that increase the signal from a key fob and allow an accomplice to unlock the car from a distance, even though it's parked on the driveway. This has prompted companies like Kia and Toyota to release software updates that stop this vulnerability.

Experts suggest keeping your car keys away from your home, and even in the trunk, so thieves have a tough time accessing them. You can also consider investing in RFID pouches that help to protect the signal and discourage unauthorized use. Some of these pouches have metal mesh linings, and can be purchased on the low end for around $10. Similar to your phone or computer, it's important to keep the software in your vehicle up-to date.

Radio Frequency Identification Cards

The latest car key fobs use radio signals to communicate with the vehicle and allow owners to unlock their vehicles and even start them without having to touch a key. These new technologies increase the chance of theft. The signal from a keyfob's sensor can be captured if the fob is left on a table near the front door or in a wallet. They can then clone it with simple devices known as emulators, which are the size of handheld consoles. Once they have it, they can open the car and drive it away in minutes.

The crooks usually work in pairs. The crooks usually work in pairs. One will be in front of your home equipped with a relay amplifier and the other one will be carrying a device that receives the signal of the keyfob. The thieves can then amplify the signal to make it strong enough to bypass the security systems in your car.

Another method of securing key fobs is by jamming the communication between the keyfob and vehicle. Thieves do this by using signal jammers that emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. This blocks the signal and stops it from being recognized by the vehicle. The lock button is not working.

Dealers in the auto industry must be on guard to protect their inventory as thieves get more sophisticated. Dealerships must install high-security perimeter fencing, with cameras and a secure entrance to prevent thieves from driving in flatbeds and vehicles after hours. They should also train their employees on proper handling of keys, including locking cars securely and storing keys safely when not in use.

Technology is helping to stop car thefts and fight the new thieves. For instance, certain automobile manufacturers are creating key fobs with 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 stop signals from a keyfob to the car. Other options include etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the headlights, windows, and mirrors to prevent reuse or re-sale of your vehicle.

Theft of VIN

Keyless entry is useful, but it also opens up new opportunities for thieves to steal cars. If your car recognizes the signal from your wireless key or remote fob, it will unlock the door and start the engine. If the signal isn't recognised the car will lock but will not start. This is because you have to have the key in your hands to press a button on the fob in order to start the starter.

Even when your car is parked, it's important to keep the remote and key fob hidden. A criminal can hijack your signal with a tiny transmitter. He will then be able to unlock your door without removing the ignition or key.

Criminals may even change the VIN and title of a stolen car to conceal their involvement. This technique, referred to as VIN-switching, is on the increase. Typically, crooks will buy damaged vehicles at auction or from police departments, and then change the VIN. They then make use of a legitimate VIN from an alternative model and make to obtain a brand new title and get more info registration and then sell the vehicle to unwitting buyers.

The VIN is a very popular method to stop theft. Many companies provide kits for this, and in a few places the police department or AAA provides this service free of charge. It may be counterintuitive to think that etching could discourage thieves. In the end, it makes it more difficult for dealers to buy your vehicle. But, a professional thief knows that etching will be an important obstacle and will likely avoid taking your car.

The NICB offers a no-cost VINCheck online tool to find out if your vehicle was ever reported as stolen or salvaged but not yet recovered. The service requires an authentic VIN to conduct a search. It is accessible via their website. There are also a variety of crime-deterring devices for your vehicle. These include audible and visual devices that deter criminals. These include steering wheel locks and alarms and window etching.