Cars Being Stolen With Keyless Entry
If car owners leave their keys on the table or near their doors, they may not realize that they are allowing thieves to steal their signal. This relay attack is a highly-tech method used by criminals to steal keys from new vehicles.
Keyless ignition cars emit an low-power radio signal that is in search of a fob that can respond. If the signal is captured and recreated, it could be used to unlock the car and to start it.
Relay Attack
Imagine your car in your driveway, and your key fob in your home. You might think that your car is secure, but sophisticated thieves are planning a heist, without you knowing. These thieves use technology to hack into vehicles via digital chinks. Also known as relay theft, it's an increasingly common way to steal cars with keyless entry.
The keyless entry system in cars is controlled by a signal sent by the car's RF transmitter to the key fob. To prevent keyless entry by unauthorized individuals the RF transmitters on the key fob and the car are programmed only to be activated when they are within a specified distance of each other. However, thieves can bypass this restriction by employing a method known as the'relay-attack'.
Two people are required to complete this: one person stands near the car and uses a device that captures digitally the signal coming from the key fob. The other, who is at the home of the owner and uses a different device to transmit the signal from the key fob to the car. This trickery tricks the car into thinking that the key fob has reached a distance sufficient to unlock and start the vehicle.
This type of heist used to require expensive equipment. Today, you can purchase a relay transmitter for a small price on the internet and complete an heist in a matter of minutes. This is the reason it's popular with car thieves.
All modern vehicles that have keyless access are vulnerable. Some cars are more vulnerable to this kind of attack than others. In fact, researchers have tested 237 vehicles that are popular and found that they can be all stolen using this method.
Tesla vehicles are said to be less vulnerable to this kind of theft. However Tesla hasn't implemented UWB technology that would enable it to perform distance checks and stop relay attacks. The company has promised to make this happen in the near future, but until then they are vulnerable. That's why it's essential 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 against thieves by transferring encrypted messages using the key to confirm its authenticity. The system is believed to be safe, but criminals have found ways to circumvent it. They just impersonate the smart key and send messages to the car letting it unlock the doors, disable its engine immobilizer, and let them go on their way. To accomplish this, they have access to the smart keys' internal communications network.
These days, most cars are equipped with between 20 and 200 electronic control units (or ECUs) that control various aspects of the car's operation. They communicate using an electronic network known as CAN bus. These ECUs enter a low power sleep mode to decrease their power consumption. This mode is activated when ECUs receive an "wake up" frame. These frames are typically sent via the door or smart key receiver ECU. However, these messages aren't always authenticated or encrypted, which means that they can be intercepted by criminals using a cheap and basic device.
They search for a spot that allows them to connect directly to the CAN connection wires. These are often hidden away within the headlights or in front of the car, and are accessible by pulling the bumper off and cutting holes in the headlamp assembly to expose them. The thieves use the device referred to as an CAN injection attack. It is used to send fake messages which can trick the security systems of the car into unlocking and disengaging the engine immobilizer.
These devices can be purchased through the Dark Web and work with all major car makers including BMW and Cadillac, Chrysler, Fiat and Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Jeep, Lexus and Nissan, Renault and Toyota, Volkswagen and Maserati. Researchers who have discovered the CAN Injection attack recommend that all car makers address the issue in their current models. However, these thieves will continue taking whatever they can. We can prevent this by installing mechanical safety measures such as Discloks in all our vehicles and parking them in well-lit, well-lit areas.
Blocking the Signal
In a variant of the relay attack that employs a device that can be used to block the signal sent by the key fob when the vehicle is locked. The device could be in the pocket or hiding the location of a thief in a parking lot, or near the driveway that is being targeted. Once the owners hit the lock button on their fobs and leave they don't consider whether or not the car really is locked. Instead, thieves could escape with the vehicle because the signal that normally locks the car is blocked by the crook's device.
The crooks also employ devices to enhance the signal of the key fob in order to unlock vehicles. They can even do this when the key is in the pocket of the driver or hanging from a hook inside the house. After the car is locked, hackers can use a standard diagnosis port to create a blank fob.
To safeguard against this kind of attack, car makers have developed a variety of anti-theft devices. However, thieves are always finding ways to beat these measures.
For example, they've started using devices that transmit on the same frequency as remote key fobs to intercept their signals. The thieves then copy the unlock code from the key fob and start the vehicle with this fake signal.
This method is particularly popular in the US in which many vehicles are equipped with wireless technology. Owners can start and unlock their car by using click here a mobile app on their smartphone. This technology is likely to gain popularity as more and more companies attempt to link their vehicles with their owner's smartphones.
In addition to installing anti-theft technologies in vehicles, it's vital for drivers to use the best practices when they park their cars. They should never leave their key fobs in the ignition. They should always ensure that the car is securely locked when they're not there and should use an engine or steering wheel lock if possible. They should also think about having a tracking device fitted to their vehicle in the event that it's stolen.
Flat Battery
This kind of attack happens more often than most people realize. Thieves use inexpensive devices to extend the signal from your key fob to open and start cars even if they're switched off. Then they drive the car to the trailer or around a corner and take the vehicle away. It would be possible to protect your car from this by installing a starter circuit interrupt switch. Simpler versions come with an ON/OFF button that shuts off the circuit. It is priced at around $15 and is easy to install.
Car thieves are constantly seeking new ways to rob vehicles. Car manufacturers, police and insurance companies are constantly trying to stay on top of the latest methods and offer better anti theft systems for modern vehicles. However, that doesn't stop thieves who are able be quick to adapt and discover ways to bypass the most recent anti-theft measures.
A lot of thieves block the signal with devices that operate on the same radio frequency of the fob. The device is tucked away in the pocket or close to the vehicle and prevents the fob from transmitting the lock command to the car. This can be accomplished in just a few seconds. The device is affordable and is available on the internet.
Hacking the computer system of the car is an alternative option. This is more difficult but feasible. All cars have a diagnostic port, and hackers have developed devices that plug into them and let them access the software of the car. From there, they are able to program an unfinished key fob and get it to work. It is possible to do this on older vehicles also, but it's more difficult without removing the ignition.
As more vehicles are linked to the phones of drivers, this method may be more popular. Once a burglar has access to the username and password to an application for vehicles and is able to unlock or start the vehicle using the application. It is possible to be safe from these kinds of attacks by not putting valuables in your car and putting it in a garage or secure parking lot.