Our cars are an important part of our lives, they give us the ability to travel much farther and faster than we could on foot or horseback, and do so while protected from the elements, listening to our favourite music, and eating a snack!
We tend to grow quite fond of our cars, they become a kind of friend to us as we drive to and fro, we install useful extras to make them last longer like window shades for car that prevent sun damage, and we take great pleasure in washing and waxing them so they always look their best! Our cars come to feel like an old friend, they are always waiting for us when we are ready to go- until one day they are not!
If you have never had your car stolen, it’s hard to understand the terrible sinking feeling in your gut when you realise it’s not where you left it! You might walk around the block a few times looking for it, thinking that maybe you just spaced out and didn’t park it where you thought you did, and that it will be there waiting for you just around the next corner- but it’s not. Now, there’s nothing left to do but call the police and hope you get your trusty metal friend back and in one piece!
How could such a thing happen? You always lock your car up tight when you leave it, how did they get in and start it? Well, car thieves have developed some sophisticated techniques to bypass modern auto security systems and get access to parked vehicles. Let’s take a look at some of their tricks so we can understand what we are up against and better protect our vehicles.
Key Cloning – This devious trick involves creating a duplicate of your car’s key fob. The thieves capture the signals emitted by the original fob with specialised devices that are, unfortunately, readily available that can intercept signals from a distance! The car thief hides nearby and captures your fob’s signal as you lock or unlock your vehicle. Having captured the signal, the device is able to replicate it so the thief can unlock your car! To combat this, there are now advanced security systems that can detect and prevent these cloning attempts. Another way to stop key cloning is to keep your fob in a protective signal-blocking case. Another good deterrent is to place a bar lock on your steering wheel, when thieves see those, they just walk away.
Relay Attacks – A pair of thieves work together using devices that can detect and amplify a car fob signal even when it’s inside your house, then direct it at your car while it’s parked outside! One thief hides near your home to capture the signal, then relays it to their partner in crime who uses it to unlock your car. You are particularly at risk if you have a keyless entry vehicle that you can start up without inserting an actual key. You can prevent relay attacks by keeping your fob in a signal-blocking container and disabling keyless entry features while the car isn’t in use.
Prevent car theft by knowing your enemy and being prepared!
