Although the keyless entry and start technology in your car is certainly advanced, you might be shocked at how simple it is for cybercriminals to get around.
A recent video demonstrates how hideous car thieves quickly get away in expensive keyless vehicles in seconds.
Theft of more modern SUVs with keyless entry and ignition technology increased significantly in 2022, according to the Insurance Crime Bureau (among other statistics). Up to five or six keyless automobiles being stolen everyday in South Africa, where it is still a relatively new habit that is spreading swiftly.
The frightening reality is that it is a crime so perfectly executed it’s almost impossible to spot as thieves are making off with high-end vehicles while their owners blissfully go about their business.
Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says the organisation’s workshops have received queries from concerned motorists. He says motorists by now have become more au fait with jamming attacks and are used to double-checking that their car is locked before leaving but this new tactic, also called relay theft, is so much more sophisticated and leaves all models with keyless entry and start systems vulnerable.
So, how exactly does keyless car theft happen? Ranft says the criminals work in teams of up to six people to actually ‘hijack’ a vehicle’s key signal. The owner believes the car to be safe once he has checked that it is locked. The theft requires a minimum of two people with two suitcases/folders that act as a scanner/amplifier and data receiver/transmitter. They communicate with the car’s key and intercept the vehicle’s opening signal and are able to start the engine.
Our cars are no longer safe 😳 pic.twitter.com/MK7ir1IJus
— Umshayi WeMpama (@ZiphoratorS) July 6, 2023
It takes only 30 seconds as shown in the video insert. The criminals then often use a jammer to prevent the car’s tracker signal from being picked up. They buy themselves time until a new key can be programmed which takes just 30 minutes.
Ranft says it’s a trend motorists need to be aware of. For those looking for a simple solution you can revert to old-time techniques with a steering wheel lock or gear-stick lock or you can keep your key in a metal tin or something called a Faraday pouch or a ‘fob guard‘, which is made from materials that block its signal.
Ranft says there is also another easier way with an electronic keyfob. When you leave the car it automatically secures the keyfob and as a result the key signal cannot be intercepted. “It is also easy to deactivate. You just need to double-tap the keyfob in your pocket or bag to open the door and start the engine. Installation is also simple. It takes the form of a clip which easily and quickly can be put on the keyfob battery without interfering with the car’s electrical system.
These can be fitted directly or with the assistance of a qualified technician.
“Criminals have become so sophisticated these days that it is almost impossible for car manufacturers to keep up with these new trends. Fortunately, there are some solutions available and motorists with keyless systems just need to be extra vigilant,” says Ranft.
