10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Keyless Car Stolen
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How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern keyless cars are becoming the most popular target for thieves. The good news is that there are simple ways to deter thieves that can aid.
One of the latest tactics employed by hackers is called relay theft. It involves two thieves working together to get access to the car. They make use of an instrument that records the signal from your keyfob, and transmits it to the vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
It's a great feeling to own a keyless vehicle, but it also makes your vehicle a target for theft. Criminals quickly learn to take advantage of new technologies. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your car from being stolen without forcing access.
In the past, thieves seeking to steal a car would need to obtain keys or wire it. Today, they can make use of sophisticated technology to hack into keys-less vehicles and then start them up. In fact 92% of vehicles UK security firm Tracker discovered in 2019 were stolen using this method.
To make the most of this technology, criminals employ electronic signal relay devices to hijack the signal that is transmitted from the key fob in a vehicle's ignition. They are easily accessible on the internet and cost as little as PS80 each. The devices can then transmit the same signal to nearby vehicles and fool them into unlocking and then turning off the devices.
After the car has been started, the burglar can drive off without leaving any trace. Keyless car theft has risen as a result. In the US, keyless car theft could be responsible for up to 70% of all car thefts. This can result in an increase in insurance premium.
Although specific data on keyless car theft is hard to come by however, it is safe to say that cars equipped with push-to-start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than vehicles that require keys to be physically entered into the ignition. Other factors that could affect the vulnerability of a car include its popularity among thieves as well as its model and brand and security protocols.
While manufacturers have made efforts to patch these loopholes, there are still some keyless models that are more prone to attack than others. A study conducted by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed the resilience of a selection of models were to theft via keyless and gave them Poor, Basic and Superior scores based on their ability to withstand the method. Therefore, it's essential to always take additional security measures if your vehicle has keyless start or entry features.
What happens?
The technology in cars has advanced and thieves have developed new methods to gain access. This includes stealing keyless cars using technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to open and start the car. Risks are higher for luxury vehicles that are more recent. The latest data from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for around half of all vehicle thefts in England. Incredibly, older luxury models that have a proximity key but don't have a button that can be used to start the car are also popular targets for thieves.
It used to be that crooks needed to break into your car via the door or window, but the introduction of remote locking and keyless ignition systems made it possible to do it from an extended distance. The thieves have developed devices that can detect the signal from your key fob and amplify it before transmitting it to a emulator -that is essentially an imitation key. The device then mimics the signal of your car key which allows it to unlock and even start your vehicle.
This type of hacking, according to the CBC, is increasing. Thieves can gain entry to cars in a matter of less than 20 seconds and steal them. This is because keyless systems don't require the driver to carry their key in their hand or pocket.
Two years ago, in Toronto, a man was shocked to find his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlight removed not only once, but twice within three months. He found out that this wasn't just senseless vandalism, it was part of a sophisticated method to steal keyless cars.
The thieves are known as "relay attackers," and they work in groups. One person is equipped with an amplifier for relays, and another is armed with an instrument that picks up your car's remote control signal and then transmit it to the amplified device. This trick can make your car believe that your key fob is near which allows it to open the doors and begin driving away.
Some drivers are installing aftermarket security systems to stop this from happening however the best option may be to simply keep your key fob in a metal container or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday box. These are reasonably priced and can be get more info purchased online.
Deterrents
Modern thieves employ sophisticated tools to intercept the signal transmitted by key fobs. If they have it, they can copy the code to unlock the vehicle and then begin the motor. The best deterrent is to make sure that the key fob is not kept in the vicinity of the vehicle when it is parked up, preferably in garages. You can also place the key in a container made of metal or Faraday pouch to prevent its signal from being detected. You might also consider an electronic device to track your car, which, while it won't prevent the vehicle from being stolen, will help in locating it afterwards.
One of the most worrying types of keyless car theft involves so-called'relay attacks', where two thieves work together to steal a car from your home. The thieves employ a wireless transmitter to pick up the signal of the car owner's digital key fob. They then transmit it to a second device which is either placed in the vehicle or right next to it. The car is tricked into thinking that the owner had relocked the door and then pressed the lock. The thief who stole the door then drives off in the vehicle.
While some experts recommend installing expensive after-market security systems to prevent this kind of crime these are not always effective and are easily defeated by criminals who have the right tools and knowledge. A better option is to invest in security measures that will make the job of stealing your car difficult for thieves, including the lock on your steering wheel that makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car.
Install motion detection lights around your garage and home to scare away thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras to record criminals in the act. Another simple but effective deterrent is to park your vehicle in a visible, well-lit area. This will discourage thieves, who are likely to be opportunists, not targeted thieves, from trying to steal your vehicle.
In addition to these deterrents, consider purchasing an entry system that has unique security codes that are only recognized by the owner of the car. This system is only on certain models that are newer and requires professional installation. However, it can be well worth the cost as it makes your car less attractive to thieves.
The following is a list with preventions.
As the rate of car thefts that are keyless increases increasing, it is important for vehicle owners to implement effective prevention strategies. When not in use, smart keys can be kept in the Faraday box or pouch. These items come with a metallic lining that blocks radio signals, thus preventing thieves from intercepting and copying them. In addition, a steering wheel lock or immobilizer can act as an deterrent as well as physically stopping the steering wheel from turning, or the engine from starting should a criminal be successful in bypassing the keyless entry system.
Another strategy involves parking the car in a secure location, away from windows and doors. This could confuse thieves, making it difficult for them to recognize the car's owner. In addition, etching the VIN on the headlights and windows could also be a deterrent, since it makes cloning stolen vehicles much more difficult.
Dealerships can stop keyless car thefts by using strict security measures. Along with perimeter fencing and a separate car storage area, dealerships should provide employees with training on the importance of vigilance as well as implementing best practices for key inventory and vehicle handling. Additionally, dealerships must regularly review their inventory to identify any anomalies.
In some instances, criminals may attempt to circumvent security features built into the car by using an electronic device that taps into the vehicle's computer. These devices are typically plugged into the diagnostic port which is typically located in the front footwell of many cars. The thieves then program the blank key fob to open the car and start it without the owner's consent.
There are a few steps you can take to reduce the chance of being a victim of unintentional car theft. You can deter criminals from hacking into your car's computer by using an antenna that is shielded and remove or hide any electronic devices in the vehicle, and then store the key fob in a Faraday box or pouch. You could also install a GPS tracker or an immobilizer to increase the likelihood of locating your car after it's stolen and assist police in catching the culprits. Contact an auto electrical expert to determine which preventative measures be most beneficial for you and your vehicle.