The 10 Most Scariest Things About Keyless Car Stolen
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How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern keyless vehicles are a favorite target for thieves. The good news is that there are simple deterrents that will aid.
Relay theft is a new method used by thieves who are tech-savvy. This involves two thieves working together to get access to your car. They use devices that detect the signal from the key fob and then transmits it to the vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
It's a great feeling to own a car with no keys however it can make your vehicle vulnerable to theft. As with all new technologies, criminals quickly learn how to make use of them. However, there are steps you can do to to keep your vehicle from being stolen without forcing access.
In the past, thieves looking to steal a car need to obtain keys or wire it. They now have the ability to use sophisticated technology to hack cars that are keyless and start up. 92% of vehicles recovered by UK car security firm Tracker in 2019 were stolen that way.
To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices to steal the signal that is transmitted from the key fob in a vehicle's ignition. These devices are readily available on the internet for just PS80 each. The devices will then send the identical signal to nearby vehicles and trick them into unlocking and then turning off the devices.
When the car is parked, the thief can take it off with ease and leave no trace left behind. In the end, keyless car theft is increasing. In the US the number of stolen cars is up to 65% of all car thefts and could result in you paying a hefty insurance premium.
It's hard to find specific data on keyless cars however it's safest assume that cars that have push-to-start ignitions are more likely than those that need keys for the ignition to work. Other factors can affect the security of a vehicle that could be a target, such as its popularity among thieves as well as its model and brand, as well as its security measures.
Despite the efforts made by manufacturers to close these loopholes some keyless cars are still more vulnerable to attack than others. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to assess the resistance of a range of models to theft through keyless entry. They rated them as Basic, Poor or Superior based on how well they were able to resist this method. It's therefore important to take extra security measures if your vehicle has keyless entry or start features.
How It Happens
As cars have advanced as they have advanced, thieves have been experimenting with ways to gain access to them. The technology used to steal keysless cars intercepts signals, and "hacks" the fob to unlock the car. The risk is higher for high-end cars that are recently manufactured. According to the most recent statistics from the England's Home Office, keyless entry is responsible for about half of all vehicle thefts. It's interesting to note that older models that have proximity keys but no button to start the vehicle are also targeted by thieves.
It was the norm that criminals had to break into your car through doors or windows however the advent of remote locking and keyless ignition systems meant they could do so from an extended distance. Thieves have created devices that can detect the signal from your car's key fob and amplify it before they transmit it to an emulatorwhich is basically an imitation car key. The device mimics the signal from your car key which allows you to open and start your car.
The CBC reports that this kind of hacking is growing and thieves are being able to gain entry into vehicles and steal them in under 20 seconds. This is because keyless systems don't require the driver to have their key in hand or pocket.
Two years ago in Toronto, a man found his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlight removed not only once, but twice within three months. He realized that this wasn't just vandalism, but a part of a sophisticated technique for stealing keys from vehicles.
The thieves are known as "relay attackers," and they work in groups. The relay amplifier is held by one person, whereas the other person holds an instrument that can pick up the remote control signal from your car and transmit it to the amplified device. This can then trick your car into believing your key fob is near and allow it to open the doors and begin taking off.
Some drivers install security systems that are made available by the market to stop this. However the best way to protect yourself is to keep your key fob in metal containers, or a signal-blocking pouch like a faraday case. They are reasonably priced and can be purchased on the internet.
Deterrents
Modern thieves use specialist devices to snoop on the signal relays sent out by key fobs. If they have this they can copy it to unlock the car and then start the engine. The best way to stop thieves is to ensure that the key fob does not remain within the range of the vehicle once it is parked in a garage. You can also store the key in a container made of metal or Faraday pouch to stop its signal. You can also purchase a tracking device that will not prevent the car being stolen, but it can help locate it afterward.
One of the most threatening types of keyless car theft is a type of'relay attack' where two criminals work together to steal a car from your home. One of the thieves is close to the targeted car with a wireless transmitter that picks up the signal from the owner's original digital key fob, and then sends it on to a second device that is placed near, or held in, the vehicle that is targeted. This tricked the car to believe that the owner had relocked the door and pressed the lock. The other thief then takes off in the car.
Some experts recommend expensive aftermarket security systems to deter this kind of crime. However, they aren't always successful and can be easily defeated if criminals have the right knowledge and technology. The best option is to invest in security measures that will make the job of stealing your car more difficult for thieves, including the locking of your steering wheel, which makes it difficult for thieves to get away.
Install motion-detection lights around your garage and home to scare away thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras to catch criminals in the act. Another effective, yet simple, deterrent is to park your vehicle in a well-lit, visible area. This will deter thieves, who are more likely to be opportunists, not targeted thieves, from trying to take your vehicle.
Consider buying a keyless lock that only the owner of the vehicle is aware of the security code. This system is only available on modern vehicles and will require an expert installation, however it can be worth the cost since it will make your car much less appealing to thieves.
Prevention
It is becoming more crucial for car owners as the rate of thefts involving keys increases and it is essential to implement effective prevention measures. When not in use smart keys can be stored in a Faraday pouch or box. These items are lined with steel to stop radio signals from reaching them and to prevent thieves from stealing or intercepting their signals. Additionally, installing a lock for the steering wheel or an immobilizer could be a deterrent, as well as physically preventing the steering wheel from turning, or the engine from starting, should a criminal be successful in evading the keyless entry system.
Another option is to park the vehicle in a more secure area away from windows and doors. This could confuse thieves and make it difficult for them to recognize the car's owner. Inscribing the VIN onto windows and headlights can also read more be a deterrent since it makes it difficult to copy stolen vehicles.
Dealerships can help to prevent theft of cars with keys by implementing strict security measures. Dealerships should educate their employees on the importance and best practices in key inventory and vehicle handling. They can do this by putting up fencing around their perimeters and establishing a designated vehicle storage area. Dealerships should also regularly audit their inventory to find any irregularities.
In certain instances, criminals may attempt to circumvent the security features built into the vehicle by using an electronic device to connect to the computer in the vehicle. These devices are connected to the diagnostic ports, which are typically located in the footwells of the majority of automobiles. The thieves could program the remote with blank code to start the car without the owner's permission.
There are a few ways you can lower the risk of becoming a victim of unintentional car theft. Some of them include preventing criminals from tapping into the computer in your vehicle by using an antenna shielded from interference and removing or hiding any electronics inside the vehicle, and storing the key fob in the Faraday pouch or box. You could also install an GPS tracker or an immobilizer to improve the chances of locating your vehicle after it's stolen and assist law enforcement catch the criminals responsible. Contact an auto electric specialist to find out which preventative measures are best for you and your vehicle.