Don't Believe In These "Trends" About Keyless Car Stolen
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How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern vehicles that are keyless are a prime target for thieves. The good news is that there are simple deterrents that can be used to aid.
Relay theft is a brand new method used by thieves who are tech-savvy. This involves two thieves working together to gain access to the car. They use a device that captures the signal from your keyfob and transmits it to the vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
The convenience of a car with no keys is like stepping into the future, but it could also make your ride an easy to be a target for thieves. Like all new technologies criminals quickly learn to take advantage of their weaknesses. There are ways you can do to keep your car from being stolen without forcing access.
In the past, thieves that wanted to steal a vehicle had to either get the vehicle's key or wire it. Nowadays, they can use advanced technology to hack keyless cars and even start them up. In fact, 92% of the vehicles UK security firm Tracker discovered in 2019 were stolen using this method.
Criminals can profit from this technology by using electronic signal relay devices that snoop on the signal that is transmitted by the key fob of the vehicle. They are easily accessible on the internet for as little as PS80 each. They can then send the same signal to vehicles nearby and fool it into unlocking and starting up.
Once the car is opened, the criminal is able to leave without leaving any trace. Keyless car theft has increased due to. In the US it is responsible for up to 65% of car thefts and could result in you paying a hefty insurance premium.
It's difficult to find specific information about cars that are keyless however, it's safest to think that cars with push-to-start ignitions are more susceptible to theft than those that need a physical key for the ignition to work. Other factors can impact the security of a vehicle such as its popularity with thieves, its model and brand, and its security measures.
Despite the efforts of car manufacturers to close these loopholes certain keyless cars are more vulnerable to attack than other. A study conducted by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed how resilient a range of models were to theft via keyless and gave them Poor, Basic and Superior ratings based on their ability to resist the technique. As such, it's important to always take additional security measures if your vehicle has keyless entry or start features.
What Happens?
As cars advanced as they have advanced, thieves have been experimenting with ways to break into them. This includes stealing keys from cars using technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to unlock and start the car. The risk is particularly high for cars that are more modern and luxurious. According to the most recent figures from the England's Home Office, keyless entry is the main reason for around half of the vehicle thefts. It's interesting to note that earlier models that have proximity keys but no button to start the vehicle have also been targeted by thieves.
The introduction of keyless ignitions and remote locking systems has made it possible for thieves to gain access to your vehicle from a distance. Thieves have developed devices that are able to pick up signals from the car's key fob and amplify it before they transmit it to an emulator -- essentially an imitation car key. The device then mimics the signal of your car key and allows it to unlock and start your vehicle.
This type of hacking According to the CBC, is increasing. Thieves can get into cars in a matter of less than 20 seconds and take them away. This is because keyless systems don't require that the driver have their fob 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 once, but two times within three months. He realized that this wasn't just vandalism, but a part of a sophisticated scheme for stealing keys from vehicles.
They work in teams and are referred to as "relay attackers." The relay amplifier is held by one person, and another person holds here the device that picks the remote control signal from your vehicle and transmit it to the amplified device. This can then fool your car into thinking your key fob is in the vicinity and allow it to open the doors and begin driving away.
Some drivers use aftermarket security systems in order to stop this. However the best defense is to keep your key fob in metal containers, or a the signal-blocking pouch, like a faraday case. They are affordable and are available online.
Deterrents
Modern thieves use sophisticated devices to intercept signals transmitted by key fobs. If they have the key fob, they can duplicate the code to unlock the vehicle and then start the engine. The best way to deter thieves is to make sure that the key fob doesn't remain within the range of the vehicle while it is parked in a garage. You can also try storing the key in a Faraday pouch or metal container 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, it can help in locating it afterwards.
Two criminals working together to steal your vehicle from the outside is among the most alarming kinds of car burglaries that are keyless. The thieves employ an wireless transmitter to receive the signal of the car owner's digital key fob. They then send it to a second device that is either positioned inside the vehicle or next to it. This tricked the car into thinking that the owner has pressed the lock button and unlocked the door. The thief who stole the door then drives off in the vehicle.
Some experts suggest expensive aftermarket security systems to deter this kind of crime. However, they aren't always effective and are easily defeated if criminals possess the right knowledge and technology. It is best to invest in security measures that make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle, for example a steering lock which makes it hard for thieves to drive away.
You can also install motion detection lights around your garage and home which will be lit up to keep thieves away, and CCTV cameras, which help to capture footage of criminals in the act. Parking your car in a location that is well-lit and easily visible can be an easy but effective method of deterring thieves. This will discourage thieves, who are likely to be opportunists rather than targeted thieves, from trying to steal your car.
In addition to these security measures, consider installing the keyless entry system which has unique security codes that are only recognized by the owner of the car. This is only available on a few newer models and requires professional installation. However, it could be well worth the cost because it makes your car less attractive to thieves.
Prevention
It is becoming increasingly essential for owners of vehicles, as the incidence of thefts involving keys increases, to implement effective preventative measures. These may include storing smart keys in the Faraday pouch or box when not in use. These items come with a metallic lining that blocks radio signals, thus preventing thieves from intercepting and copying the signals. Installing a steering lock or immobilizer is a different method of deterring thieves. It is also able to physically stop the steering wheel from turning or the engine from being started, should they be able to bypass the keyless entry system.
Another option is to park the car in a more secure location away from windows and doors. This could confuse thieves and make it difficult for them to identify who is the owner of the car. Additionally engraving the VIN on windows and headlights can also serve as an effective deterrent because it makes cloning stolen vehicles much more difficult.
Dealerships can deter keyless car thefts by implementing stringent security measures. In addition to fencing around the perimeter and a designated storage area for cars, dealers should provide employees with training on the importance of vigilance as well as adopting the best methods for key inventory and handling of vehicles. Dealerships should also conduct regular audits of their inventory in order to identify any discrepancies.
In certain instances, criminals attempt to evade the vehicle's built-in security features by using an electronic device to access the computer of the vehicle. These devices are typically plugged into the diagnostic port which is typically located in the front footwell of all automobiles. The thieves are then able to program an unlocked key fob to unlock the vehicle and then start it without permission from the owner.
There are a few actions you can take to lessen the chance of becoming a victim of keyless car theft. Some of these include preventing criminals from accessing your vehicle's computer using shielded antennas, removing or concealing any electronics inside the vehicle, and storing the key fob in the Faraday pouch or box. Installing a GPS tracker and an immobilizer can increase the chances of locating your car when it is stolen, while also helping law enforcement catch the criminals. Contact an auto electrical expert to determine which preventative measures be most beneficial for you and your car.