A COMMON car feature found on popular models can make them easier to steal – with Hyundai and Kia considered the most vulnerable.
Car thieves have been exploiting a new type of tech in recent years – and crooks simply need a cheap device and a bit of know-how.
Thieves exploit keyless technology to target certain popular models[/caption]
Relay attacks are making keyless cars, from sedans to luxury Teslas, easy targets[/caption]
According to a recent report from Autoblog, keyless entry systems which use advanced technology, while convenient for drivers, make it easier to steal vehicles.
That’s because keyless systems are vulnerable to relay, replay and cryptanalytic attacks, allowing criminals to bypass security and drive away quickly, according to its study.
Relay attacks work by amplifying and extending the signal from a car key fob, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key is nearby even when it’s far away – like inside your house.
This attack exploits the convenience of keyless entry systems and bypasses security measures.
But while relay attacks exploit proximity by extending signals, cryptanalytic attacks break encryption to clone or mimic key fob signals.
These are more sophisticated, but potentially more dangerous as they can permanently compromise a vehicle’s security system.
Replay/jamming attacks manipulate existing signals by recording or blocking them and are considered simpler than cryptanalytic ones.
These, however, rely on timing and signal interception,
The report suggests Hyundai and Kia models, particularly older ones manufactured before 2022 and 2023, are the ones being particularly targeted by thieves.
This is because this generation of vehicle lacks immobilizers – a key security feature that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key.
Without immobilizers, these cars are more vulnerable to physical theft and relay attacks – making them prime targets.
But while Hyundai and Kia dominate thefts overall, newer models with keyless entry systems are also at risk of relay and replay attacks.
These include iconic American pickups such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 – which are often targeted for their parts and high resale value.
Popular sedans, including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Dodge Charger, with their push-button start systems, are also susceptible to relay attacks.
Although these typically have immobilizers, which offer some protection.
High-tech, luxury models are also at risk – perhaps surprisingly.
This includes the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y – which, curiously, are vulnerable to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) relay attacks, which exploit the convenience features like phone-as-key or BLE fobs.
In these cases, if the owners fail to enable security features like PIN-to-drive, these vehicles can be stolen quickly.
How to prevent vehicle theft
Here are 10 ways to avoid your car being stolen according to an auto insurance company:
- Lock your doors. It makes it more difficult for thieves to access anything inside the vehicle.
- Keep your keys on your person. With smart keys and fobs, a car can be unlocked if the key is close by. If the key is inside or on your person, it can’t be unlocked.
- Don’t leave a spare key near the vehicle, as thieves know to look for them in common places like in a wheel well, under items in the driveway, or in the glovebox.
- Keep windows closed. If a window is open, thieves can manually unlock the doors.
- Park in well-lit areas, as it helps detour thieves if their actions are visible to passersby.
- If your vehicle doesn’t have one, consider an anti-theft alarm system.
- If you live in a high-crime area, consider an immobilizer device that utilizes a kill switch if the device doesn’t recognize an authorized key.
- Consider a tracking device to be able to keep tabs on your vehicle’s location if it’s stolen.
- Never leave valuables in the car, especially in a visible spot. Thieves know to look in the floor boards, passenger, or rear seats for valuables.
- Double-check before leaving the vehicle that it’s secure.
- To protect wheels and tires, especially aftermarket wheels, consider wheel lock lug nuts. They require a special socket to remove, so they’re impossible to remove without it.
Source: Allstate Auto Insurance
