Why Everyone Is Talking About Cars Being Stolen With Keyless Entry Right Now
Why Everyone Is Talking About Cars Being Stolen With Keyless Entry Right Now
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Cars Being Stolen With Keyless Entry
Car owners who leave their keys on a table or near their front doors may be unwittingly allowing thieves to hijack the signal. This relay attack is just one of the latest techniques criminals are employing to steal new keyless vehicles.
All keyless ignition vehicles emit a low power radio signal that is used to locate the fob that matches. If the signal is captured and recreated, it can be used to unlock the car and then start it up.
Relay Attack
Imagine your car safely parked in the driveway, and the key fob tucked away in your home. You may think your car is safe, but sophisticated thieves are planning a heist, without you knowing. They use technology to hack into vehicles via digital chinks. This method of stealing vehicles with keys is known as relay theft.
Cars equipped with keyless entry are designed to function using a signal transmitted from the car's remote control (RF) transmitter to the owner's key fob. To stop keyless entry by unauthorized individuals the RF transmitters that are on the key fob as well as the car are programmed only to activate when they are within a specified distance from one another. A thief, however, can bypass this restriction by employing a technique called the relay-attack.
Two individuals are required to perform this: one person stands near the car and uses a device to capture an electronic version of the signal coming from the key fob. The other, in the vicinity of the owner's house is using a different device to send the key fob signal back to the car. This trick tricked the car into thinking the key fob is near enough to be able to unlock it and start the engine.
This type of heist was once a costly process that required expensive equipment. Now, you can buy relay transmitters on the cheap online and execute a heist in minutes. This is why car thieves love it.
While some cars are less prone to this kind of theft than others, all modern cars with keyless entry are vulnerable. In fact researchers have tested 237 vehicles that are popular and found that they can be all stolen using this method.
Tesla vehicles are believed to be less vulnerable to this type of theft, but the company hasn't yet implemented UWB features to effectively check distances on the car's signal and prevent relay attacks. The company has stated that they'll implement this in the near future, however until then, they are vulnerable. This is why it's crucial to be proactive about your security in your car and install an anti-theft kit that safeguards your keys and car from these types of attacks.
CAN Injection Attack
Modern cars can protect themselves from theft by transferring encrypted messages using the key to prove its authenticity. The system is considered to be secure, however thieves have found ways to get around it. They pretend to be a smart key, send messages to the vehicle and then drive away. To accomplish this, they have access to the smart keys' internal communications network.
These days, most cars are fitted with between 20 to 200 electronic control units (or ECUs) that manage different aspects of the car's operation. They communicate with each other via a network known as CAN bus. These ECUs are put into a low power sleep mode to decrease their power consumption. This mode is activated when the ECUs receive an "wake up" frame. These frames are typically sent through the door or a smart key receiver ECU. These messages aren't always authenticated or encrypted. This means that criminals can take them over with an inexpensive and simple device.
To accomplish this, they must look for a place where they can directly connect to the CAN bus connection wires. They are usually hidden in the headlights or in front of the vehicle, and are accessible by pulling the bumper off and cutting holes in the headlamp assembly to expose the wires. The thieves then employ a device dubbed an CAN injection attacker to send fake messages that trick the car's security systems into unlocking the car and disengaging its engine immobilizer.
These devices are for purchase on the Dark Web, and work for the majority of major car manufacturers including BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Nissan, Renault, Toyota, Volkswagen, Maserati, and many more. The researchers who discovered this CAN Injection attack are recommending that all car makers address it in their existing models, but the reality is that the thieves will continue to steal whatever they can get their hands on. We can prevent this by installing mechanical safety measures, such as Discloks inside all of our cars and parking them in well-lit, visible areas.
Jamming the Signal
In a different variation of the relay attack, thieves could employ a device to block the signal sent from the key fob when the vehicle is locked. The device could be found in the pocket of a burglar in a parking space or in a hiding spot near the driveway that is being targeted. When owners press the button to lock their fobs, and then walk away and leave, they don't have to think about whether or not the car actually locks. The device used by the crook blocks the signal that locks the car. Therefore, thieves can escape with the car.
The crooks also make use of devices to enhance the signal of the key fob in order to unlock vehicles. The crooks are able to do this even if the key is in a driver's pocket or hanging on an outside hook in the home. After the car has been locked, they can use a standard diagnostic port or computer hackers to program a blank key fob and gain control of the vehicle.
Car manufacturers have come up with various anti-theft devices to protect against these types of attacks. However, thieves will always come up with new ways to beat these measures.
They've begun using devices that transmit at the same frequency as remote keyfobs to intercept signals. The thieves copy the unlock code from the key fob, and then start the vehicle using this fake signal.
This technique is especially popular in the US and Europe where many automobiles are equipped with wireless technology that lets owners unlock and start their vehicles by using a mobile application from their phones. This technology will likely be more commonplace as more car manufacturers attempt to connect their vehicles with their owners phones.
In addition to installing anti-theft technologies in vehicles, it's crucial for drivers to leverage best practices when they park their cars. more info It is not a good idea to leave keys in the ignition. They should always make sure the vehicle is locked completely when they're not in it and should make use of the steering wheel or a gearstick lock, if they can. It is also recommended to consider having a tracking device fitted to their car in case it's stolen.
Flat Battery
This type of attack is more common than many people believe. Thieves employ cheap devices to extend the signal from your key fob to unlock and start the car, even if it's switched off. They then drive the car around a corner or onto a trailer to leave with it. Installing an interrupter switch for the starter circuit will protect your vehicle from this. The simplest ones are an ON/OFF switch that shuts off the starter circuit. It costs about $15 and is simple enough to install yourself.
Car thieves are always trying new ways to enter vehicles and then steal them. Car manufacturers, police and insurance companies are always trying to stay abreast of the latest techniques and offer better anti theft systems for modern vehicles. But that doesn't stop thieves who are able to change quickly and discover ways to bypass the most up-to-date anti-theft systems.
For example, many criminals employ devices that operate on the same frequency as the fob in order to block the signal. They place the device in their pockets or near their vehicle, and it stops the fob's lock command from reaching the car which leaves the vehicle unlocked. This can be done within minutes. The device is inexpensive and easily available online.
Hacking the computer system of the car is another option. This is more difficult, but it is still possible. All cars have a diagnostic port, and hackers have designed devices that plug into them and allow them access the car's software. They can then program a blank fob to work. It is possible to do this on older vehicles too but it's more difficult if you remove the ignition.
This technique could become more popular as more vehicles are connected with drivers' phones. Once a thief has access to the username and password to a vehicle application, they can unlock or start the vehicle using the application. You can guard yourself by not leaving valuables inside your car, and parking in a garage.