15 Documentaries That Are Best About Car Stolen Keyless Entry

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Keyless Entry and Car Theft

The number of car burglaries is increasing, and thieves are finding new ways to get into vehicles. Keyless entry is among the most common methods.

The days of stealing cars through breaking windows and hotwiring them are gone. Now they can hack into a vehicle's computer systems within minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction of Push-to-Start technology millions of drivers have enjoyed the convenience of having the ability to start their car without reaching for a key. However, this same convenience makes cars more vulnerable. Particularly the past, thieves have been able to use a new technique called the relay attack to steal cars within seconds. This technique makes use of an amplifier to capture and amplify the signal generated by your car's keyfob. It allows thieves to unlock the vehicle and drive off.

Relay attacks are a variant of an older technique called Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This kind of attack could be employed in cybersecurity to intercept communications between two parties and alter it without being aware of. In a relay attack the attacker uses an electronic device that can capture and transmit the signal from the fob of the key in your car to a second device located nearby. This second device is able to open the door and start the engine, effectively taking your car in a matter of seconds.

Criminals can perform a relay attack by making use of a low-cost and readily accessible device to detect the signal from an electronic key fob. Usually, thieves will work in pairs. One person holds the relay amplifier, while the other stands outside near the victim's home. The thief waves the device in the direction of the victim's home, tricking the car into thinking the key is close by.

Some experts suggest keeping your key fob in a metal container, signal-blocking pouch, or Faraday bag when not in use to avoid this type of theft. However this is a basic solution that has been proven to not work against modern relay devices. A steering wheel lock is a superior option, since it physically stops the thief from steering the vehicle after it was taken.

Many car manufacturers have tried to resolve this issue by introducing features like secure keyless entry systems, which use cryptographic methods with time-sensitive codes to protect against relay attacks. Criminals have developed devices that can defeat these measures. The race is now on to find a solution for criminals who relay information that doesn't hinder the ease of technology that does not require keys.

Hacking

Many new cars are equipped with keyless entry systems, which let drivers open and start their car without the need of a physical key or button. However, these systems could be vulnerable to a new kind of theft. The thieves can make use of electronic devices that replicate the signal from the key fob, and transmit it to a accomplice who is holding a transmitter close to the vehicle. The criminal then unlocks the vehicle and is able to drive away. This method is called relay attack. It can be done in between 20 and 30 seconds according to AAA.

Often, thieves can make use of inexpensive devices that mimic wireless key fob signals to collect the signal and send it to an accomplice. The thief will then appear to be the owner of the car when the victim presses the key fob to begin or shut the car. They do this by sending a message that appears to the car system as an authentic signal.

More sophisticated thieves have created devices that plug into a car's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port that is usually located under the steering wheel and allows mechanics to connect to a diagnostic tool. The thief downloads the data from the computer in the car and creates a blank key fob matching the car's specifications. Most vehicles are susceptible to this type of hacking.

Some thieves have even made use of TikTok challenges to instruct people on how to build inexpensive amplifiers that enhance the signal from an electronic key fob. They also allow an accomplice to unlock the car from a distance, even though it's parked on the driveway. This technique has led manufacturers like Kia to release software updates that mitigate the vulnerability.

Experts suggest keeping your car keys further away from your home, and even in the trunk so that thieves have a tough time accessing the keys. You can also invest in RFID pouches to protect the signal and discourage unauthorized use. Some of these pouches come with metal mesh linings, and are available on the low end for around $10. It is also essential to keep your car's software current and up to date, just as you do with your computer and phone.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards

The latest car key fobs utilize radio signals to communicate with the vehicle, allowing owners to unlock their vehicles and start them without needing to touch a key. These new technologies increase the chance of theft. The signal from a keyfob can be captured if the fob is placed on a desk near the front door or in a wallet. Then, they can copy it with simple devices called emulators, the size of handheld consoles. Once they have it, they can open the car and drive it away in minutes.

The crooks typically operate in pairs. One will be in front of your house, holding a relay amplifier, while the other holds the device that records the signal from the key fob. The crooks can then amplify the signal so that it is strong enough to disable your car's security systems.

Another strategy is to block the communication between the key fob and the car. Thieves accomplish this by using signal jammers that emit the same radio frequencies as a key fob. This muddles the signal, preventing it from being interpreted by the car, which stops the lock button from working.

As thieves become more sophisticated in their methods, auto dealers need to be alert in securing their inventory. Dealerships must install high-security perimeter fencing that includes cameras and a secure entrance to ensure that thieves aren't able to drive on flatbeds with vehicles after hours. They should also instruct employees on proper methods of handling keys, including securely locking cars and keeping them in a secure location when they are not being used.

Fortunately, technology is helping to stop car thefts and fight these new thieves. For instance, certain car manufacturers are developing key fobs that use active RFID chips that incorporate frequency-hopping technology to make it harder for thieves to amplify the signal coming from the key. In addition, Faraday cages can be used to block the transmission of signals from a key fob to the car. Other options include engraving the last seven digits of your vehicle Identification Number (VIN), on the windows, headlights and mirrors to prevent the resale or reuse of your vehicle.

Theft of VIN

While keyless entry is great for convenience but it also opens up new opportunities for thieves to steal cars. If your car detects a signal sent from your remote or wireless key fob, it will open the door and begin the engine. However, if the signal isn't recognized, your car will still be locked, but it will not start. This is due to the fact that 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 vehicle is parked, it's crucial to keep the remote and key fob in a safe place. Criminals can steal your signal using a small transmitter. Then, he is able to open your door and drive away without ever having to touch the actual physical key or ignition.

In certain instances criminals may be able to swap out the vehicle's VIN and title to hide their involvement in the theft of the car. This practice, known as VIN-switching is on increasing. The thieves will usually buy damaged vehicles through auctions or the police department and modify the VIN. They then use the legitimate VIN of a different brand and model to get the new registration and title, and then sell it to uninitiated buyers.

The VIN is a popular way to deter theft. Many companies offer kits for this, and in certain locations, the police department or AAA offers this service free of charge. It may seem odd to think that etching could hinder thieves. In the end it makes it difficult for dealers to purchase your vehicle. However, a professional criminal is aware that etching is an important stumbling block and will probably deter them from stealing your vehicle.

The NICB also provides a free VINCheck service online to determine whether your vehicle is reported as salvaged or stolen vehicle but has not yet been recovered. The service is available only on their website and requires a valid VIN. There are also a range of crime-deterring devices for your vehicle. They include audible and visual devices that discourage criminals. These include the locking read more of your steering wheel and alarms as well as window scratching.