10/8/2017 Six ways thieves can break into a keyless car and how to prevent it

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SIX WAYS THIEVES CAN BREAK INTO A CAR AND HOW TO PREVENT IT
Fending o the techno-thieves
Published 03 November 2014
By Dominic Tobin (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/contributor/dominic-tobin)

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10/8/2017 Six ways thieves can break into a keyless car and how to prevent it

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THE DAYS of hotwiring cars are long gone. Todays thieves use a variety of sophis cated techniques to gain access to cars and start the engine. The police and the
insurance industry are playing catch-up as techniques evolve and adapt quickly to modern cars.

Search for and buy your next car on driving.co.uk (/used-cars/)

Below we outline the most common methods used to break into and make o with vehicles that have keyless entry systems and keyless start bu ons and how to
protect yourself from them.

What is signal jamming?

This is the most common way thieves gain access to a car. A device transmi ng on the same radio frequency as remote key fobs is used to jam the signal that locks
the car. The gadget might be in the pocket of a crook in a car park, or le in shrubbery near a driveway being targeted. When owners press the lock bu on on their key
fob, the command is prevented from reaching their vehicle and it remains unlocked. Thieves are le with an open door.

Used for: Gaining access to vehicles, usually to steal valuables inside.

Avoid being a vic m: Make sure the indicators ash when you press the lock bu on and listen for the clunk of locks.

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10/8/2017 Six ways thieves can break into a keyless car and how to prevent it

What is signal relaying?

Keyless systems use a simple process. Vehicles emit a short-range friendly radio signal that carries only a few yards. When the correct key fob is close by, the fob
recognises the signal and transmits its own code, instruc ng the vehicle to unlock the doors. The same process is used for the igni on on cars with start bu ons.

Thieves have begun using wireless transmi ers held close to a target vehicle to capture its radio transmission. This is relayed to another device held by an accomplice
close to the key fob, which might be in the pocket of the owner at a motorway services, or by a window at home. It fools the fob into thinking that it is next to the car,
promp ng the release of the unlock code. Once the thief is inside the car, the process can be repeated to start the engine.

Used for: Gaining access and then stealing vehicles.

Avoid being a vic m: Keep keys out of sight at home. When out, carry them in a shielded wallet or aluminium n.

What is key programming?

Whether thieves break a window or use the jamming technique above, once theyre inside the car, those vehicles with a start bu on rather than an igni on key can
be simple to steal.

Every car sold in the past 10 years has been required to have a standard diagnos c port ed. This is typically located in the front footwell. Computer hackers have
developed devices that plug into the port, boot up a vehicles so ware and then program a blank key fob. In keyless cars this can be used to start the engine as well as
unlock the doors. The me needed for the programming process is as short as 14 seconds. The cost of programming gadgets on foreign websites is as low as 10.

Used for: Stealing a vehicle once the crook is inside.

Avoid being a vic m: Fit a lock to your diagnos c port and use addi onal security such as a steering-wheel lock.

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10/8/2017 Six ways thieves can break into a keyless car and how to prevent it
What is close range tes ng?
Some keyless fobs may s ll be in range of the car when if le inside the house near enough to the vehicle. Thieves can discreetly check by trying the door handles,
which may unlock the doors, but are unlikely to be able to drive o in the car if they do get inside: keyless systems require a fob to be inside the car before the engine
will start.

Even if owners do not fall vic m to thieves, they may end up with a at ba ery because the proximity of the key keeps electronic systems on standby.

Used for: Gaining access to a vehicle.

Avoid being a vic m: Find a safe place for your keys at home and check to ensure they are out of range.

What is code grabbing?

Thieves armed with advanced gadgets are thought to lie in wait for desirable cars. When the owner locks the doors, the signal is captured by the device, which then
calculates the unlock code. Though there is li le evidence this method is currently being used, some experts are convinced it is a looming threat. Others say it is
impossible.

Used for: Gaining access to a vehicle.

Avoid being a vic m: Lock the car with a key if possible.

What is app hacking?

This method is rarely used but could become popular as car makers a empt to connect their vehicles with owners smartphones. Apps that allow drivers to unlock
their car can let thieves do the same thing on their own phone if they can log in to the app as the vehicles owner. All they need is the password, which they may steal
or guess.

Used for: Gaining access to a vehicle.

Avoid being a vic m: Create a secure password with le ers and numbers.

Search for and buy your next car on driving.co.uk (/used-cars/)

App hacking (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/tag/app-hacking/) Car the (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/tag/car-the /) Close range (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/tag/close-range/)

Code cracking (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/tag/code-cracking/) Jamming (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/tag/jamming/)

Key programming (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/tag/key-programming/) Relay (h ps://www.driving.co.uk/tag/relay/)

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Olive Snow
13 Jul
Beginning to regret getting a keyless car after reading this, I have a mobility aid in the car not sure what I would do if it was stolen.
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Blue Bullhorn Olive Snow

1d Edited

Go online and buy a blocking pouch aka faraday cage and keep your key fobs in it when not in use it will block the signal from the fob being
transmitted.
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