Gone are the days when car thieves would hotwire a car in order to steal it. Nowadays cars come with a keyless entry system that makes them easier to start and potentially easier to steal. However, this has not stopped car manufacturers from making cars that come with a keyless entry.
When we pose the question “Are cars with keyless entry easier to steal?”, the answer from our knowledgeable car locksmith is “It depends on the car.” Some keyless cars can be easy to start, whereas others are much harder to get going.
A keyless car starts when your key emits a code. This is a code that should only be picked up by your car. However, the truth is that it can also be picked up by some scanning devices. These devices replicate the code and send it back to the car. This is how a thief can gain access to your vehicle.
Advanced or Smart Keys
Some cars have “Advanced” or “Smart” keys which allow the key to be deactivated and prevent them from being stolen. Some makes of cars such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and the Ford Fiesta often come with this feature. When the key is deactivated there is no way for a thief to gain access to the vehicle. However, when the key is activated, thieves can still take the car.
Keyless cars do seem to be much easier to steal than those that have a regular key. In addition to this, there’s usually an alarm that goes off if the car is broken into. This is not the case with keyless cars. This means the owner has no idea their car is being taken.
Different Types of Keyless Car Theft
There are a few different types of keyless car theft. These include:
- Signal Relaying
- Signal Jamming
- Code Grabbing
- Close Range Testing
- App Hacking
- Key Programming
Let’s take a closer look at these to see how car thieves break into keyless cars:
– Signal Relaying
As we have already seen, keyless car systems send signals from the key fob to the car. These signals only travel a few meters. When the car recognizes the signal it will unlock its doors. Thieves us a wireless transmitter that they hold up to the owner’s front door, their pocket, or their bag. The signal is then captured and relayed to their vehicle. The thief can now open the car. To start the vehicle they simply need to send the signal to the car again so it can start.
– Signal Jamming
Signal jamming involves the thief using a device that transmits on the same frequency as the key fob. The device can be small enough to sit in the thief’s pocket or left somewhere in the drive. When the owner of the vehicle locks their car using the key fob, the signal is prevented from reaching the vehicle. This means that their car is left unlocked.
– Code Grabbing
This involves a thief using an advanced system that captures the key fob’s signal and works out what the unlock code is. There isn’t much evidence that this method is being used but experts say it’s a real threat that is becoming more widespread.
– Close Range Testing
Close range testing involves thieves checking to see if they can open the car via the handle. However, if the car is unlocked they might not necessarily be able to drive it away. This is because there needs to be a key fob starting the car.
Close range testing involves the key being kept close to the vehicle. For example, the key could be placed near the front door, and the car could be parked close to it. When the key is that close by the car’s electronic system will be on standby. This could result in a flat battery.
– App Hacking
This is not a method that is widely used. However, there is potential for it to become more popular. This is because some car manufacturers are producing apps that will allow an owner to unlock their car using their smartphone.
If a thief were to log into the app using the owner’s password they will be able to get into and start the vehicle.
– Key Programming
Regardless of how a thief breaks into a car, if the vehicle has a start button it can be easy to steal. Hackers have developed software that allows them to plug into the car’s standard diagnostic port. This allows them to program a key fob of their choosing, typically a blank one. The fob can then be used to start the engine, lock, and unlock the doors. This is a procedure that can take just 14 seconds.
How to Prevent Keyless Car Theft
– Use a Signal Blocking Pouch
Signal blocking pouches, also known as “Faraday bags” can stop a thief from accessing your vehicle. Keeping your keys as well as your spares in a pouch will mean that the signal cannot be stolen. Therefore, your car is less likely to be stolen.
– Use a Car Alarm or a Steering Wheel Lock
– Switch off the Wireless Signal
Did you know that the wireless signal can be switched off? This is not a feature available on all keyless fobs. Take a look at your car’s manual to see if the signal can be switched off. If there is nothing in the manual that indicates you can do this consider contacting your vehicle’s manufacturer. Alternatively, purchase a signal-blocking pouch so a thief cannot access the signal.
– Park Defensively
One of the best ways to stop a thief from stealing your car is to park it in a garage. While they might still be able to steal the fob’s signals they won’t be able to start your vehicle. If you do not have a garage, park your car as close to your home as possible. This is to ensure that access to your car is made as difficult as possible.
– Reprogram your Keys
If the car you have purchased is a secondhand one, there is always a chance you might not receive all of the keys. Have your keys reprogrammed so that the previous owner cannot steal your car?
Some car manufacturers are working on preventative measures that can help to prevent the theft of keyless cars. There are some car manufacturers that have introduces key fobs that work with a motion sensor. Others provide a Faraday bag.
While keyless entry makes it easier for the car owner to get into their vehicle, it also allows thieves to do the same. However, there are methods that owners can use that could help prevent their car from being stolen.
For more assistance on safeguarding your car or equipment for the same, pay a visit to our physical locksmith store or call our owner Jose Mario Hernandez Junior at (773) 521 7000.
