A number of cars have been identified as the most vulnerable to have their key fobs hacked in ‘keyless’ car thefts. The method involves using two relatively-cheap devices to ‘trick’ a vehicle into thinking its entry fob is nearby. Art Dahnert, Managing Consultant at Synopsys commented below.
Art Dahnert, Managing Consultant at Synopsys:
“Typically, two parts of the “Relay Box” are required, the component that captures and transmit the signals from the key and it’s corresponding component that works within the vehicle’s RKE entry radius. An individual will try to get close to the key in the building or house, usually by the front door or window, since most owners keep their keys by the front door or hall way. Another individual will remain close to the vehicle trying to get as close to the RKE controller’s antenna. A lot of the specifics for the attack will depend on how powerful the “relay box” is, which means that a powerful transmitter/antenna combination in the two components will allow more flexibility in the distances involved during the theft. This attack allows you to enter and drive off with the vehicle, however depending on the design of the vehicles system it may not allow you to restart it. Unfortunately, the vast majority of models allow a restart to happen.
“The best way to prevent this type of attack is to use a steering wheel lock or an additional type of immobiliser, usually found in aftermarket alarm systems. Another way to prevent this attack is to block the key signals using a Faraday bag or box. This is where you’d store your keys when they are not in use. In reality any metal container that prevents the radio signals from being captured will work, some people even suggest the family freezer. “