10 Car Stolen Keyless Entry Related Projects That Can Stretch Your Creativity

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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 commonly used methods.

The days of stealing cars through breaking windows and wiring them long gone. They are now able to hack the computer systems of vehicles in a matter of minutes.

Relay Attack

Since the introduction to the Push-to Start technology, millions have been able to be able to start their vehicles without having to search for keys to their car. Unfortunately, this same convenience can make vehicles more vulnerable to theft. The relay attack is a new technique that thieves can use to steal cars in a matter of minutes. This method makes use of devices that record and amplify the signal that is sent through your car's key fob, permitting thieves to unlock the car and then drive away.

Relay attacks are a variation of an older technique called Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This kind of attack can be used in cybersecurity to intercept communications between two entities and alter it without either party not knowing. In the case of a relay attack the attacker employs a device to intercept the signal from your car's key fob and then transmits that signal to a different device located close to. The second device can be used to open the door and begin the engine, effectively taking your car in a matter of seconds.

In order to carry out an attack using relays criminals need only an affordable, easily accessible device that is able to pick up and amplify the signal from your key fob. Most often, thieves operate in pairs. One person holds the relay amplifier, while another is outside, near the house of the victim. The thief then simply waves the device in front of the home of the victim and tricks the car into thinking the key is within reach and allows it to open and start.

Some experts suggest keeping your key fob in a metal container, signal-blocking pouch, or Faraday bag when it is not in use to stop this type of theft. But this is a basic solution that has been shown to be ineffective against modern relay devices. A steering wheel lock is a much better option, as it physically blocks the person who stole the vehicle from steering the vehicle after it was stolen.

Many car manufacturers have tried to solve this problem by introducing features, such as secure keyless entry systems which use cryptographic methods with time-sensitive codes in order to protect against relay attacks. However, criminals have been able to create devices that can defeat these measures. The race is now on to find a solution for criminals who relay information that doesn't interfere with the security of technology that does not require keys.

Hacking

Many new cars are fitted with keyless entry systems, which allow drivers to start and open their vehicle without the need for the use of a physical key or button. These systems are susceptible to a new kind of theft. The thieves may make use of electronic devices that replicate the signal from the key fob, and transmit it to a accomplice who holds an electronic transmitter near the vehicle. The person who stole the car then unlocks it and takes off. According to AAA the method is referred to as a relay attack. It can be completed within 20-30 seconds.

Often, thieves can employ inexpensive devices that imitate wireless key fob signals in order to capture the signal and relay it to an accomplice. When the victim clicks their key fob to unlock or start the vehicle, the thief could pretend to be the legitimate owner by sending a signal to the car's computer system that makes it believe that a genuine signal is being sent by the fob.

More sophisticated thieves have developed devices that can be connected into a car's On Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, which is usually situated under the steering wheel. It allows mechanics to connect an instrument for diagnostics. The thief can then download data from the car's computer and create an unlocked key fob that meets the specifications of the car. Most vehicles are susceptible to this type of hacking.

Some criminals have even used TikTok challenges to teach people how to create inexpensive amplifiers that increase the signal from a key fob and allow an accomplice to unlock the vehicle from a distance, even though it's parked in the driveway. This has led website to manufacturers like Kia to release software updates that block the vulnerability.

Experts recommend keeping your car keys in a trunk or a space that is far from home, so that a burglar isn't able to easily access them. You can also buy RFID pouches that help protect the signal from unauthorized use. Some of these pouches have metal mesh linings and are available on the low end for around $10. Similar to your computer and phone it is essential to keep the software in your vehicle up-to date.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards

The latest car key fobs use radio signals to communicate with the vehicle which allows 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's sensor can be recorded if the fob is left on a table near the front door or in the wallet. Then, they can copy it with simple devices known as emulators, which are the size of handheld consoles. They can then unlock the car in just a few minutes and drive off.

Typically, crooks work in pairs. The crooks usually operate in pairs. One will be in front of your home equipped with a relay amplifier and the other will have the device that receives the signal of a keyfob. The thieves will then amplify the signal until it becomes strong enough to be able to bypass security systems in your car.

Another method is to block the communication between the key fob and the car. The thieves do this using signal jammers that emit the same radio frequency as the key fob. The signal is blocked and stops it from being detected by the car. The lock button will not work.

Dealers in the auto industry must be on guard to guard their inventory from theft as thieves become more sophisticated. Dealerships need to install high-security perimeter fences with cameras and secure entrances, so that thieves cannot drive flatbeds on cars after hours. They must also train their employees on proper handling of keys, including locking cars securely and keeping keys safely when not in use.

Technology is helping to stop car thefts and fight these new thieves. For instance, some car makers are developing key fobs with active RFID chips with frequency-hopping technology to make it more difficult for thieves to amplify the signal from the key. Furthermore, Faraday cages can be used to block the transmission of signals from a key fob cars. Other options include etching the last seven digits of your vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the headlights, windows and mirrors to prevent reuse or re-sale of your vehicle.

VIN Theft

Keyless entry is convenient, but it also opens up new possibilities for thieves to take vehicles. If your car detects the signal from your wireless key or remote fob, it will open the door and start the engine. If the signal is not recognized, your car will lock, but it won't start. It is necessary to hold the key to turn on the starter.

This is why it's important to keep your remote and key fob away from view, even when your car is parked. Criminals could use a tiny transmitter to intercept your signal and then steal it. Then, he can open your door without touching the ignition or key.

Criminals are even able to swap out the VIN and title of a stolen car to conceal their involvement. This practice, known as VIN-switching, is currently on increasing. The thieves usually purchase a damaged vehicle at an auction or from the police department and change the VIN. They then make use of a valid VIN from an alternative model and make an attempt to get a new title and registration and then sell the vehicle to unsuspecting buyers.

The VIN is a well-known method to stop theft. Numerous companies offer kits for this, and in some locations, the police department or AAA provides this service at no cost. It seems counterintuitive that etching would discourage thieves, since it makes your car more difficult to sell to chop shops and other dealers. Professional thieves will stay away from your vehicle because they know that etching can be a major obstacle to their pursuit.

The NICB also offers a free online VINCheck service to check whether your vehicle has been reported as a stolen or salvaged and is not yet recovered. The service is only available on their website and requires a valid VIN. There are also a range of security equipment that can deter criminals in your car. These include audible as well as visual devices that are able to deter criminals. These include steering wheel locks and alarms as well as window scratching.