If you think that owning a keyless car doesn't come with the risk of getting stolen, you're wrong. Keyless cars need protection against the evolving technologies that thieves use.
So, read on to learn about how keyless car theft works and how you can prevent keyless car theft from your home.
What Is Keyless Car Theft?
Keyless car theft refers to the theft of a keyless car (that is, a car that doesn't use a regular key). In this case, the thief does not use a physical keyfob to steal a keyless vehicle. Instead, when it comes to keyless cars, the thieves exploit the wireless technology for burglary.
How Does Keyless Car Theft Work?
Car thieves perform a keyfob relay attack to steal your car. In the process, they don't break anything on the vehicle. In some cases, thieves can also start it using your keyfob's digital signature.
Your car always tries to communicate with the keyfob to ensure convenient door opening or engine ignition when you're near. The keyfob does the same, trying to sync with the car by emitting a radio signal.
Keyless car thieves utilize this vulnerability of car security system. They use a high-tech radio signal amplifier and relay device. In most cases, two thieves work closely to steal your car.
Most car owners park their cars outside their home. They might also keep their keyfob near the door for convenience. So, to steal the car, one thief will approach your vehicle with a keyfob-like device, and the car will present a digital signal challenge to that device.
The relay device (held by the thief) copies the signal and transmits that to the second thief standing near the door with another radio signal relay device. If your keyfob is within the range, the relay device will capture the keyfob's signal and transfer that back to the first thief's device.
Your car will now think that the keyfob is nearby and let the thief enter. If your vehicle allows keyless ignition, the thieves will repeat the process to start the car.
1. Keep Keys Safe in a Blocking Bag
With keyless car theft using the stolen key fob on the rise, no security method is better than securing the fob. Never keep the key fob inside the car. Even at home, keep it somewhere safe and away from the doors and windows to prevent easy burglary.
Keep your car fob and spare sets in a blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag. It'll stop the thieves from grabbing the signal and using it to steal the car.
2. Turn Off the Wireless Receiver
Does your car come with a keyless fob? Your car model may allow you to turn off the wireless signal manually. Check your car manual to see if you can do it.
Since this technique is different for each car, find out the appropriate method for your vehicle. If you're unable to find a way to switch off the key fob, contact the car manufacturer.
3. Lock Your Steering Wheel
To steal a car, opening its door isn't enough. The thieves have to start the car to take it away. Thus, you can prevent car theft by locking the steering wheel. A steering wheel lock can prevent keyless car theft.
These days, car thieves come to steal vehicles with laptops instead of the traditional hand tools. If they find the steering wheel locked, it'll be a great surprise for them. They need to return empty-handed as they cant drive the car.
4. Use a Car Alarm and GPS
A car alarm is another way to prevent car thieves from stealing the vehicle. If the car doesn't have a factory-fitted alarm, you should get one immediately. It'll also help you reduce the car insurance cost.
You also need to install a GPS location tracking system in your car. After installation, these devices stay hidden from view. If someone attempts to steal the vehicle, you can detect its exact location quickly and take necessary action.
5. Reprogram the Keys of Second Hand Cars
If your car is second-hand or you have lost one set of car fobs, you have to reprogram the fob to eliminate any chance of car theft. With this process, you can ensure that others can't access the car using the other set of keys.
Although vehicle key fob reprogramming can be expensive, it's always good to be on the safe side when it comes to securing your car.
6. Park in a Safe Area
Park your car in a secure place where the thieves can't reach in the first place. A garage is the safest option to park your keyless car overnight. In case of garage space unavailability, try to park it on your property or somewhere close to the house.
Thus you can keep an eye on the car whenever you want to. It'll also make it hard for the thieves to access the area. It may not be the best way, but it adds an extra security layer when combined with other techniques.
7. Always Lock Your Car
The rule of thumb is to lock your keyless car whenever you leave it and take the fob with you. Whether you're running back home to get your purse or going to make payment for the parking, never leave your car unlocked.
Idle and unattended cars with fobs lying on the dashboard are easier targets. Don't forget to double-check the locks and other safety features to ensure maximum security.
8. Use Strong Protection Against Hackers
Car burglars will leave no stone unturned to steal your keyless car. Hence, you have to stay one step ahead of them. The thieves may attempt to sneak into your car by using vital log-in details and mobile apps.
To prevent this from happening, you have to use a strong password for all the apps and online accounts you use linked to the car. Also, never share the credentials with anyone.
9. CCTV and Motion Detectors
Investing in advanced security measures like CCTV and motion detectors is one way to prevent car theft. If you park the vehicle on a driveway, these gadgets may deter potential car thieves from targeting your vehicle.
Motion sensor lighting detects any movement and alerts you of that. Make sure to install CCTV cameras with both night vision and HD quality streaming features. Thus, you can have a clear idea about what is happening around your car.
Keep Your Keyless Car Safe
Car thieves use new car theft tactics to steal new-age keyless cars. Car theft is a risk for everyone, but you can reduce the chance of keyless car theft by following our tips.