Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About 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.
Relay theft is a brand new technique used by tech-savvy thieves. This involves two thieves working together to gain access to the car. They employ a device that can take the signal from your key fob and then transmit that to the vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
It's a great feeling to own a keyless vehicle however, it also makes your car ripe for theft. Like all new technologies, criminals quickly learn how to take advantage of their weaknesses. There are ways to avoid your vehicle from being stolen without requiring entry.
In the past, thieves who wanted to steal vehicles required a key to it or hotwire it. Today, they can make use of sophisticated technology to hack keyless cars and start them up. 92% of the cars recovered by UK car security firm Tracker in 2019 were stolen that way.
To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices to steal the signal being transmitted from the key fob of a car's ignition. These devices can be purchased on the internet for as little as PS80. The devices will then send the identical signal to nearby vehicles and make them unlock and then turning off the devices.
When the car is parked the thief is able to take it off with ease and without leaving a trace leaving a trace. As a result, keyless car theft is on the rise. In the US the theft of cars that are keyless could be responsible for up to 65percent of car thefts. This can result in an increase in insurance costs.
Although specific information about keyless car theft isn't easy to come by however, it is safe to say that cars with push-to-start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than vehicles that require the use of a physical key to get into the ignition. Other factors could affect the security of a vehicle that could be a target, such as its popularity among thieves, its model and brand, and security protocol.
While manufacturers have made efforts to fix these flaws however, there are some keyless car models more susceptible to attack than other. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to assess the resistance of a wide range of models to keyless theft. They rated them as Basic, Poor or Superior based on how well they were able to withstand this tactic. It is essential to take extra precautions when your car has keyless start or entry features.
How It Happens
As cars evolved and sophisticated, thieves have been devising methods to break into them. This includes stealing keyless vehicles by using technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to open and start the vehicle. The risk is higher for cars that are more modern and luxurious. According to the most recent figures from the English Home Office, keyless entry is the main reason for around half of all vehicle thefts. It is interesting to note that older models that use a proximity key but don't have a button that can be used to start the car are also frequently targeted by thieves.
The introduction of keyless ignition and remote locking systems has made it possible for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle from an inaccessible distance. Thieves have created devices that are able to detect signals from your car's key fob and amplify it, then transmit it to an emulatorwhich is basically fake car keys. This device then emulates the signal from your car key which allows it to unlock and start your car.
This kind of hacking According to the CBC is on the rise. Thieves are able to get into vehicles in less than 20 second and then 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 was shocked to find his here Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlight smashed off not twice, but just once within three months. He realized that this was not only vandalism, but was part of a sophisticated method to steal keyless vehicles.
The thieves are known as "relay attackers," and they work in groups. The relay amplifier is held by one person, while another person holds an instrument that can pick up the remote control signal of your car and transmit it to the amplified device. This trick can trick your car into believing your key fob is nearby which allows it to open the doors and begin taking off.
Some drivers use security devices from the market to avoid this. However, the best defense is to keep your key fob in metal containers, or a an accessory that blocks signals, like a faraday case. These are reasonably priced and are available online.
Deterrents
Modern thieves employ sophisticated devices to intercept the signal relays sent out via key fobs. If they have it, they are able to duplicate the code to unlock the vehicle and then start the motor. The best way to stop thieves is to make sure that the key fob does not remain within the range of the vehicle while it is parked, preferably in a garage. You can also place the key in a metal container or Faraday pouch to block its signal. You might also consider an alarm system that, while it won't prevent the vehicle from being stolen, it can help in locating it afterwards.
One of the most worrying kinds of keyless car theft is the so-called relay attack, where two criminals work together to steal a vehicle from the outside of your home. One of them is close to the targeted car with wireless transmitters that pick the signal from the owner's genuine digital key fob, and then sends it to a second device that is positioned next to, or held in, the vehicle that is targeted. This tricked the car into 'thinking' that the owner has pressed the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The other thief then drives off in the car.
Although some experts suggest installing expensive security systems to prevent this kind of crime these are not always effective and can be easily defeated by criminals who have the right technology and knowledge. A better strategy is to invest in deterrents that will make the job of stealing your car more difficult for thieves, like the lock on your steering wheel that makes it difficult for thieves to drive away.
Install motion-detection lights around your garage and home to deter thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras that will capture criminals in their actions. Parking your car in a spot that is well-lit and visible can be an easy but effective way to deter thieves. This will deter thieves, who are likely to be opportunists rather than targeted thieves, from attempting to steal your car.
In addition to these deterrents, think about purchasing a keyless entry system that has unique security codes that are only known by the owner of the vehicle. This is only available on a few newer models and requires professional installation. However, it can be worth the cost since it makes your vehicle less appealing to thieves.
The following is a list of preventions.
As the rate of car thefts that are keyless increases and increases, it is essential for car owners to implement effective prevention strategies. When not in use smart keys can be kept in a Faraday box or pouch. These items come with a metallic lining that blocks radio signals, hindering thieves from stealing and copying them. Furthermore, installing a lock for the steering wheel or an immobilizer can serve as an deterrent and also physically stop the steering wheel from turning, or the engine from starting should a criminal be successful in bypassing the keyless entry system.
Another option is to park the car in a location that is more secure, away from windows or doors. This could confuse thieves and make it difficult for them to identify the owner of the car. In addition engraving the VIN on the headlights and windows can also act as an effective deterrent because it makes the cloning of stolen vehicles much more difficult.
Dealerships can prevent keyless car thefts by implementing stringent security measures. Along with perimeter fencing and a designated car storage area, dealerships should provide employees with training on the importance of vigilance and applying the best methods for key inventory and handling of vehicles. Dealerships should also periodically audit their inventory to spot any issues.
In some cases, thieves attempt to evade security measures built into the vehicle through an electronic device that plugs into the computer in the vehicle. These devices are typically plugged into the diagnostic port which is usually located in the front footwell of many automobiles. The thieves could program an unprogrammed remote to start the vehicle without owner's consent.
There are a few steps you can take to reduce the chance of being a victim of unintentional car theft. Some of these include preventing criminals from tapping into the computer in your vehicle by using shielded antennas, removing or concealing any electronic devices in the car, and storing the key fob in a Faraday bag or box. You can also install a GPS tracker or immobilizer to increase the likelihood of locating your car after it is stolen and helping law enforcement catch the culprits. Contact an auto electric specialist to determine what preventative measures are most suitable for you and your car.