10 Quick Tips About Keyless Cars Being Stolen

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Keyless Cars Being Stolen in Minutes

With the help of equipment that is available for purchase online, criminals are targeting keys-less vehicles, which can be taken in just a few minutes. Find out how thieves are getting around security features and how you can do to secure your vehicle.

Keep your key fob in a faraday bag or an aluminum tin to block the signal. Also, consider fitting a steering wheel lock to stop your car from being driven away.

Relay Theft

It's easy to forget about the dangers of cars that don't have keys. They could make your vehicle vulnerable to cybercriminals with high-tech devices. One of the most recent methods of hacking used by thieves is known as "relay theft."

Two criminals could rob your car with this method. The first thief who is positioned close to your home, uses equipment to boost the signal of the key fob. He then transmits the amplified signal to the second thief who is nearby to your vehicle. The second thief could use their device to mimic your fob's signal and unlock the car or start the engine and take off with the car.

The devices can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable price. They can be fitted to any vehicle, regardless of whether it is the latest SUV or the old Honda Civic. Certain cars are more at risk than others. Criminals target vehicles that are sought-after by thieves due to their high resale value or the ease with the ability to dismantle them. This is why you should always park in a safe area and ensure that you don't store anything valuable in the car (including the owner's manual that may contain keys for valet service).

In the UK, thefts using this method are at an all-time high according to tracking company Tracker UK. In July 2023, they were responsible for 98 percent of the cars stolen that the company was able to recover.

To decrease the chance of becoming a victim experts recommend installing security systems for cars that are aftermarket like alarms and GPS trackers. They also recommend storing keys in containers made of metal, signal-blocking bags or Faraday boxes which can stop relay attacks.

Dealerships can also safeguard their inventory by installing physical security measures like perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and well-lit areas. In addition, they must instruct staff on proper procedures for handling keys and lockdown procedures to avoid thefts. If they are selling older vehicles they should think about installing an ignition immobilizer by the dealer. This will prevent thieves from escaping with the vehicle, after tricking the system into believing it is still on the dealership lot.

Theft of Transponders

To keep up with the latest developments in technology and technology, thieves upgrade their equipment to keep up. Criminals use a relay attack to steal cars that are keyless. Two individuals work together. The thief will be outside the home of the victim, using a device that picks up the signal from a key fob, which is then transmitted to a person who waits by the car. If the signal copied is recognized the door is opened and the car begins to move with no requirement for the actual key to be in the car. Video footage from security cameras at home has documented this happening, with stolen vehicles being towed away in a matter of seconds.

This is a growing threat to owners of all kinds and models, with even older luxury cars at risk. In fact, the tracing company Tracker UK reported that keyless thefts make up 98% of all the high-tech vehicles it assisted in recovering last year. The older luxury vehicles with lower-end keyless systems are the most at risk which includes Mercedes C- and E-Class, BMW 3 Series, Land Rover Discovery and Jaguar XF models.

Code theft is a different way to steal a car with a keyless. This can happen if you don't pay attention to the location you place your key fob. You might forget to take it out of your pocket when you leave the house. If your device is in the reach of an in-home smart hub or security system that can be hacked, it is possible to gain access to the vehicle's control systems. A hacker with a solid knowledge of electronics can modify the car's software to do whatever they want it accomplish, like turning off the ignition and drive off.

It is important to protect your vehicle and be aware of attacks. You can try to limit the danger by parking in a secure garage or gated secured car park. If that's not possible you could consider installing a motion-sensored camera with a view of your driveway. You can also purchase signal-blocking accessories like boxes and bags, which are designed to prevent thieves from hijacking your key fob's signals if it's in the proximity of a jammer.

Programming Theft

The technology used in keyless cars makes them more convenient for us, but it can also make it easier for thieves to take. The "relay attack" is a popular method to steal a vehicle using keyless entry systems. It involves criminals working in pairs and using equipment to intercept the signal transmitted by your fob when it is within the range of your door or ignition to open and start your vehicle.

The keyless system relies upon low-power radio waves that only work if the fob is located close to the ignition or door. A skilled hacker can make use of specially-designed devices to boost the connection between the fob and the vehicle, increasing the capabilities of the system. This enables a criminal to fool the vehicle into thinking that the fob is close enough to open or start it even though it could be a few meters away from the victim's house or even in their pockets.

Some cars have an extra security feature that blocks the ignition when the fob is too far away, but this only is effective if the vehicle has been programmed to recognise the fob's signal at specific frequency. Hackers who have the code for the car system can alter the code of the key fob to ensure that it works at the frequency the car has been programmed to recognize. This is a way to bypass the security feature.

The On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD) typically located under the steering wheel, can be used by car thieves to steal the code of your keyless transmission. This device, also known as a "key programmer" is available on the internet for less than $1,000. The program can then transfer the car's unique data to an unlocked key fob, allowing it to unlock and start your car just like the genuine one would.

These tools are easily accessible on the internet and allow criminals to target many different types and makes. The most sought-after keyless entry cars are those made by luxury manufacturers such as BMW Audi Mercedes and Jaguar. These are the cars that are most often targeted. In fact, the insurance company Tracker has discovered that luxury models account for up to 50% of all high-tech theft cases it helps recover.

Lockout Theft

Criminals can easily exploit the flaws of keyless entry systems. While the old method of smashing windows into cars and hotwiring vehicles remains popular, more and more thieves use high-tech methods that permit them to steal cars without entering homes. According to tracking company Tracker's data, car thefts in the U.K. have reached an all-time peak, with keyless thefts accounting for a large percentage of the total.

These new methods are not only cheaper than traditional car thefts they can be done in a matter minutes. For example, a team of two thieves could use devices to intercept the signal from the key fob and send directly to the transmitter in the other thief's hand. This allows the other thief to unlock the car and drive away. The devices can be purchased for as little $100 and are compatible with a variety of automobile models.

The thieves are now able to as well as using these advanced methods, encrypt the data transmitted by the key fob. They can then clone the data and upload it to a blank fob. These cloned key fobs will be able unlock and start vehicles even though they're not the original keys.

ADAC's research revealed that hundreds of popular car models, such as the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf are vulnerable to this type of theft. A single key can be used to unlock a variety of cars with this method. This means it is not necessary to target specific vehicle models or manufacturers.

Car manufacturers now offer security measures to protect their vehicles from these new threats. Kia for instance, has developed faraday pouches that can be placed in the pocket of the driver's keyfob to block signals and stop it from being stolen. Other options include creating extra keys and keeping them in safe yet accessible locations, installing cameras around your driveway and home or making use of apps to ensure here that you don't forget about your car. Also, it's a good idea to check regularly the battery status of your key fob to prevent it becoming dead.