The 10 Scariest Things About How Do Keyless Cars Get Stolen

How Do Keyless Cars Get Stolen?

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Footage from front-door home security cameras shows thieves using devices that record signals from key fobs that are left on tables or in pockets or purses and relaying those to the car to unlock and begin the.

Relay Theft

Modern keyless cars are designed to simplify our lives by making it possible to lock or unlock and even start the car without needing to insert keys. Unfortunately, criminals are now using this technology what to do if car keys are stolen harm us with a new technique called 'relay theft'.

Two thieves work together. One of them is located near your home with a device that can boost the signal from your key fob which is then relayed to a second thief who is standing by the car. The stolen car key signal tricked the car's systems into thinking that the actual key fob was close by and allows thieves to unlock and get inside the vehicle. The thief can then use their devices to start the engine and leave the vehicle.

The positive side is that a number of the most recent automobile manufacturers are taking preventative measures to combat this type of crime. For example, Mercedes has created a motion sensor key fob that goes into sleep mode after 40 seconds to safeguard against relay attacks. Other car manufacturers are implementing ways to help owners defend their vehicles from relay attacks. Kia, for example, offers its own faraday bag to stop the signal from the car. Other manufacturers have features that permit car owners to turn off keyless entry, or install an alarm system to stop their vehicle from being stolen.

Relay attack tools are readily available for purchase on the internet and can be used by opportunist thieves as well as professional criminal gangs. They typically target desirable car and van brands. Unfortunately, a lot of security systems for cars do not detect the crime because a physical breach is required.

As the number of car thefts rises and we must be aware that this type of crime is becoming more frequent. Although no method can ensure that your vehicle will not be stolen, combining several strategies can significantly lower the chance. You can take steps like keeping your keys in a metal container, using the Faraday pouch to block the signal, disabling your keyless entry, and installing an alarm system to track your vehicle.

Signal Jamming

It is important to understand how a car is stolen. It's not as simple as smashing a window and hotwiring it because crooks are now able to rob keyless cars using technology that is able to bypass security systems of the car.

The new method to steal a car is called "relay theft". The thieves use electronic devices that detect the signal from the car keys stolen from unlocked house owner's key fob and transmit it to a device near the vehicle, tricking the car into thinking that its owner was nearby by opening the door and then starting the engine. It can be done in as little as 60 seconds according to security experts.

In fact relay thefts can be so successful that they have caused certain manufacturers to upgrade their systems. It is essential to have the latest security system available in your vehicle and to remain current.

One method to prevent this kind of crime is to secure your keys by using something called Faraday pouches, or boxes. These pouches and boxes are lined with conductive metal mesh to block the transmission of electromagnetic signals, making it impossible for thieves to take your vehicle. You can find them at most hardware stores, and on the internet, at a reasonable price. Experts suggest you test them prior to buying to make sure they work.

If you don't own one, you can lock your car manually. Make sure it's locked before you leave. Also, you should look around the immediate area for anyone hanging around, as the moment a criminal feels they've been observed, they'll probably move on.

It's also a good idea to park your car in a secure garage, or at the very least, on a street that isn't directly next to your house. This will prevent thieves from taking the signal from the electronic devices in your home and then amplifying it into your car. Parking too close to another vehicle can also cause the same issue.

Reprogramming

Modern cars come with keyless ignition systems that utilize wireless remotes to unlock the vehicle and also to start it. This technology is designed to make it simpler for both passengers and drivers to start and unlock their cars. However it also creates opportunities for thieves. In reality the theft of a car that isn't locked is more common than ever before.

Instead of slamming into a window thieves can employ simple tools and techniques to duplicate the signal from your key fob. They accomplish this by amplifying the signal which then causes the car's computer to unlock and begin it. This is known as relay attacks, and it's the most effective method of stealing a car equipped with keyless entry.

Relay attacks can take place in a variety of ways, but the most common involve two people working together. One person will be in front of the vehicle in question with a device that can receive the signal from the key fob and amplify it. The other will stand near the house and send an amplified signal to a key fob that then signals the vehicle to start unlocking and begin. The criminals will then be able to escape in the vehicle.

The good news is that researchers have been able to prevent relay attacks by boosting the range of the fob's signal. It is important to keep your fob's key in an enclosure like a Faraday Case, or any other blocking device for signals when you're not using.

Hacking into the onboard diagnostics port is another method to steal keys from a vehicle. These ports, which are situated in the front footwell of the majority of vehicles, allow mechanics to connect a diagnostic device to the computer in the vehicle. Hackers have developed devices that connect to this port in order to boot up the software of the vehicle and then create a blank remote control. This method requires a bit more advanced and knowledge of electronics, but tech-savvy thieves are already employing it to steal cars.

The thieves can easily unlock and take the latest models of vehicles that aren't protected by the traditional security measures. If you're a dealer owner it's crucial to give your employees training on how to stay clear of these methods.

Using Transponder Devices

The key fob sends an electronic signal to the car to tell it to start and unlock, but thieves can make use of a handheld device to amplify the signal, allowing them to gain entry and then leave. This is called signal relaying, and it's one of the most popular ways that modern cars get stolen. It can be accomplished in a matter of 60 seconds for the majority of thieves. Often, thieves will work in pairs. One of them will be in front of the transmitter device that picks up the signal from the key, and another walks around the house external walls using the relay amplifier, searching for a signal that is faintly transmitted by your car's fob. If they find it, they can then clone the signal and transmit the signal to their transmitter, so it could be copied by your car.

The blocking of signals sent by the key fob to the vehicle is another method. This is also fairly common, and it can be difficult to avoid. This is the reason it's so important to keep your key fobs away from view when you're not using them.

Some thieves use sophisticated hacking tools that can penetrate the security system that locks the car and starts it. These devices can be purchased on Amazon and eBay for just $100, and a few of them can be used for up to 50 feet from the key fob. These devices connect to the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic port, and then boot up software that reprograms the key with a blank code to unlock and start the car.

You must do everything you can as a dealer to prevent this type of theft from happening on your lot. Install fences that are secure and shut off any entrances after hours and train employees on best practices for the safekeeping and return of key fobs at the conclusion of the day.

Some experts believe that a brand new type of method will become increasingly popular as more and more automobiles are designed to communicate with their owners using apps on the driver's smartphone. This type of theft is already becoming more common and could get worse in the future. If thieves gain access to your phone, they may make use of it to reprogram your keys. This would disable the immobilizer, which prevents your car from starting if there is the wrong electronic key present.