Something big is happening in the automotive industry! The advent of electric cars has flipped the way vehicles were used and fueled by just being powered by electricity instead of petrol or gas! Hypercars with a speed of 300 mph may cost millions of dollars.
But car theft has also skyrocketed! Long gone are the days when thieves hotwired vehicles to steal!
These cutting-edge cars don’t rely on keys for unlocking or starting; they flaunt keyless entry systems to unlock and start the vehicle.
Unfortunately, this is where the thieves struck gold, hacking into these high-tech computers on wheels in mere seconds.
The keyless theft statistics compiled by the Equity Association of the most stolen vehicles are enough to give anyone a chill.
This blog is your go-to guide if you want to learn how to prevent car theft with keyless entry.
First, let’s explore the concept of keyless car entry:
What is keyless car entry?
A modern automatic system allows you to unlock and start your car without a physical key but with a key fob. A key fob is a compact, wireless remote control with an RFID chip and antenna.
Various car models use different names for it; for instance,
- Nissan calls it an Intelligent Key.
- Mazda refers to it as Advanced Keyless Entry.
- Honda names it Honda Proximity Key Entry.
- Kia labels it Smart Key.
Despite the diverse names, the key fob’s functionality remains consistent across these brands; radio frequencies are transferred to communicate with another RFID tag. How? Let’s find out:
How does keyless car entry work?
Low-frequency signals are transmitted between the vehicle’s computer and the key fob to unlock doors and start ignition.
Previously, thieves had to snatch the keys to steal the car, but not anymore! Today, thieves are tech-savvy and catch these signals to steal your car easily!
Even if your key fob is safely placed on the table right by your main door in the hallway!
This is called a keyless theft! So, let’s find out how the thieves can make a keyless entry. Relay attacks, programming, and CAN BUS are some of the keyless theft ways:
1. Relay attacks:
A relay attack is a sophisticated form of car theft where criminals use electronic devices to intercept and amplify signals between a key fob and a vehicle, allowing them to gain unauthorized access and start the car.
The thieves operate as a team, with one person holding the relay amplifier and the other managing the relay transmitter.
The relay amplifier captures signals from the key fob inside the property while the person with the transmitter stands near the vehicle.
Once the car receives the signal, it unlocks, allowing the thieves to drive away. Simple as that!
2. Reprogramming:
Some thieves attempt to reprogram a blank key fob to match a specific car’s system. They exploit vulnerabilities in the programming process to create a duplicate key fob that can access and start the vehicle.
Thieves do this by plugging a device into the car’s diagnostic port. They can reprogram the keyfob using this device and then start the car.
3. CAN Bus Attacks:
Thieves with advanced knowledge may target the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a system that allows different components in a car to communicate.
By exploiting vulnerabilities in the CAN bus, attackers can gain control over various car functions, including unlocking doors and starting the engine.
Which vehicles are most commonly targeted?
Not just luxury vehicles with a high resale value. Almost all vehicles, such as sedans and SUVs, have keyless car entries.
Vehicle owners even buy and install a keyless entry system in their cars if they do not have one because it offers modern, convenient, and faster access to the vehicle.
Other models, such as the Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Lexus series also have a keyless start or push button start!
In Ontario, the keyless ignition system became a significant target for vehicle theft, with thieves successfully stealing 224,311 Honda CR-Vs. This model topped the list of the most stolen vehicles in Canada 2023.
Having grasped the various methods thieves use to steal cars, you are now better equipped to learn how to prevent such incidents.
Related: Top 10 ways to prevent motor vehicle theft in Canada in 2024.
How to prevent car theft with keyless entry:
1. Use Faraday pouches:
To protect your keyless entry fob use RFID signal-blocking devices such as Faraday pouches or boxes. These accessories prevent unauthorized access by blocking signals between your key fob and potential relay attackers.
These products are crafted with RFID-blocking material and are available in various sizes, big and small, including box options.
However, the pocket-sized Faraday pouch is highly recommended, as it ensures the safety of your fob even when stored in your pocket. These pouches are readily accessible on Amazon, with prices starting at $12.
Cool tip: While you keep your key fob in the Faraday pouch, keep the extra key well away from the window or main door.
2. Physical security:
Kill switches:
Install a hidden kill switch that disrupts the fuel or ignition system. This extra layer of protection makes it challenging for thieves to start your car even if they bypass other security measures.
Check out this video to install a kill switch all by yourself in a few minutes:
Steering wheel lock:
Steering wheel locks stand out as the most effective and widely used deterrent against car theft. Even in the event that thieves manage to break into your car and attempt to tamper with the lock, the presence of a steering wheel lock will delay them, providing valuable additional time to catch them in the act as they struggle to cut through it.
One of the best anti-theft devices is a Tevlaphee steering wheel lock. This doesn’t just attach to the steering wheel but also to the floorboard to hook around either around a brake, clutch, or gas pedal.
You might think it’s slightly more difficult to set up than the regular steering wheel locks but it’s much more secure!
OBD lock:
Crafty thieves break into cars and hack the vehicle’s computer by accessing the OBD port. They utilize the OBD port to reprogram a blank key, allowing them to start the car in less than a minute! Installing an OBD lock can effectively prevent such theft.
VIN etching:
Consider etching your vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the windows or significant parts of your car. This unique identifier makes it less attractive to thieves, complicating the resale of stolen parts.
You can do it yourself using an etching kit for around $26 on eBay. If you own a dealership, it is an excellent practice to etch the VIN on all your vehicles, especially on the catalytic converters!
3. Update car software regularly:
Regularly updating your car’s software is a crucial practice to prevent unauthorized keyless car entry. It’s essential to regularly update your car’s software to close security gaps and improve vehicle function.
They are easily downloadable and can be transferred into the car via USB.
Stay informed about the security features offered by the manufacturer, as updates may introduce new protective measures.
At the end of this article, we will discuss a few security measures popular car brands take. Check them out. They may help you stay ahead of evolving threats!
If you have a used car dealership, update your fleet software regularly. It keeps your cars safe and shows you care about giving people a secure driving experience.
4. Parking strategies:
Opt for strategic parking to enhance your vehicle’s security:
- Choose well-lit and secure areas for parking, as this simple yet effective measure can act as a deterrent against thieves attempting relay attacks.
- Parking your vehicle in well-lit, heavily trafficked areas with CCTV surveillance significantly enhances its visibility, thereby reducing the chances of unauthorized access and boosting your car’s security.
- Implement a rotation parking system where cars are parked in a way that they need to be moved to access other vehicles. In this way you will hinder quick and easy access to multiple cars.
- Park near retractable or removable bollards in the parking lot. These barriers can be raised or lowered as needed, preventing unauthorized access and acting as a physical deterrent against theft or vehicle tampering.
5. Reprogram your key fob:
Reprogramming key fobs with new passwords removes previous access linked to the old owner’s keys, preventing unauthorized individuals from using them to enter the vehicle.
Key fob reprogramming shows that buyers can trust that used cars from the dealership have undergone a thorough security update, building a positive reputation.
Thieves target vehicles with easy-to-exploit security. Reprogramming key fobs makes unauthorized access harder, acting as a deterrent for potential thieves seeking easier targets.
6. Install a tracking device:
A GPS car tracker is a small device with a GPS receiver that helps find the location of the vehicle it’s attached to.
Satellites send signals to the tracker, which sends the information to a server. This allows authorized people to see the object’s location on a map.
GPS tracking systems have three important parts: a tracker, a server, and a user interface (a mobile app). The need for car trackers has grown because of more city vehicle thefts. They help find stolen cars and also keep track of large vehicle fleets.
However, if you are a parking lot operator or a car dealership owner, wouldn’t you prefer a proactive approach to prevent car theft or catch the criminal before he flees with your vehicles? This can be achieved with a robust security system.
Keep reading, as we discuss how remote video monitoring presents a proactive security solution later on in this article.
7. Disable the keyless system:
If you reside in an area with high crime rates, you might consider temporarily disabling the keyless system to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Consult with your vehicle’s manufacturer or a certified professional to explore this option. By doing so, you can assert control over your car’s security and minimize the chances of car theft through keyless entry systems.
Alternatively, you can do it yourself by following simple steps to disable the keyless entry system:
1. Press and hold the lock button on the key fob.
2. Within three seconds, press the unlock button twice while holding down the lock button.
Et voilà!
8. Place CCTV cameras:
Make security better by adding CCTV cameras around your business.
Place the CCTV security cameras at key locations to maximize coverage and effectiveness.
Consider areas with high foot traffic, points of entry and exit, and places where vehicles are parked.
Aim to create a comprehensive surveillance network that deters potential threats and provides clear visibility in critical areas.
The most suitable security camera for a parking lot is an IP PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera due to several advantageous features:
- An IP PTZ camera offers the ability to pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom in and out. You can cover a large area and focus on specific details when needed.
- IP PTZ cameras can rotate 360 degrees, providing complete coverage of the surrounding area. This is particularly beneficial in parking lots where a wide field of view is crucial to monitoring multiple parking spaces and detecting any suspicious activity.
- The zoom feature allows operators to focus on specific details, such as license plates or faces, even from a considerable distance.
Smart Analytics Integration:
Many IP PTZ cameras come equipped with smart analytics features, such as motion detection and object tracking. These capabilities enhance the camera’s ability to detect unusual activities.
When you connect these surveillance cameras to a high-quality remote live video monitoring center, you achieve continuous vigilance, as we will explain in the next section
9. Remote video surveillance:
If you own a retail business, a multi-storeyed condo with parking lots, or a dealership, having a reliable security system is crucial to preventing car theft, especially with keyless entry.
We’re not talking about just a car or two; we’re dealing with a large number of vehicles that require effective security measures.
Remote video surveillance, equipped with powerful AI detection capabilities, is a reliable solution. These capabilities enhance the effectiveness of CCTV security cameras, allowing you to opt for a security system that provides vigilant monitoring by trained and qualified remote operators.
When the cameras’ AI identifies a security breach, such as unauthorized access or prolonged loitering near your vehicles beyond a permissible duration, it instantly triggers an alarm at the remote monitoring center.
Remote operators access the live video feeds to assess the situation, and then they take action according to the pre-set SOPs, such performing a voice intervention, calling the police, reaching out to the emergency contact, or dispatching security guards.
What are car manufacturers doing about keyless car theft?
Car manufacturers are consistently working to boost security measures against keyless car theft. According to Hyundai spokesperson Jennifer McCarthy, all current Hyundai vehicles in the Canadian market are equipped with electronic immobilizers and vehicle alarms. To aid in locating stolen cars, Hyundai also offers a “Find my car” app function.
In 2023, Honda ranked as the most stolen vehicle across Canada. So, Honda makes commendable efforts to enhance security through a new app. This application lets car owners stay connected to their vehicles via a smartphone. It sends alerts when the car enters or leaves a designated area and includes a Geo-fence alert feature.
BMW and Mercedes have implemented motion sensor keys, enhancing the security features of their vehicles. Tesla provides an additional layer of protection with a “Pin to Drive” feature, requiring users to enter a pin before starting their Tesla.
Subaru and Mercedes offer advanced functionalities, including automatically turning off the key after locking the vehicle, adding an extra level of security.
Summary of preventive strategies:
So in simple words, the following are the strategies you must follow to prevent car theft with keyless entry:
- Use Faraday pouches to protect your keyless entry fobs.
- Implement as many physical security measures as you can, like kill switches, wheel locks, OBD locks, and steering wheel locks.
- Ensure the regular update of your car’s software to enhance security.
- Choose well-lit parking locations to minimize security risks
- If you own a used car or a car dealership, regularly reprogram your key fobs for protection.
- Install tracking devices to monitor and locate your vehicle.
- Explore the option of disabling the keyless system for heightened security.
- Consider installing CCTV cameras for on-site surveillance.
- Explore remote video surveillance options for proactive detection and swift action.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the surge in keyless car theft demands heightened vigilance. Utilize preventive measures like Faraday pouches, physical security, and regular software updates. While car manufacturers are incorporating improved security features, maintaining a proactive approach remains essential.
If you are a car dealership or parking lot owner, remote video monitoring emerges as a proactive solution to further enhance your security measures. This advanced technology allows for continuous surveillance, offering early detection and swift response capabilities, bolstering your overall protection against potential threats.
Contact us for a tailored security solution for your business, ensuring proactive detection of potential threats and swift action.
