Cars Thefts Surge: Is Your Keyless FOB Safe From "CAN Bus Attacks"

Keyless Car TheftPhoto byOCMM

As thieves exploit advanced technology, experts warn of a growing epidemic and offer crucial protection strategies

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Over the last year, there has been a significant surge in keyless vehicle thefts in Florida, with criminals exploiting advanced technology to gain unauthorized access to vehicles.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports a 93% increase in keyless vehicle thefts in major U.S. cities over the past year. This surge has caught many car owners off guard, with some discovering their vehicles missing without any signs of forced entry. The top three affected states are California, Florida, and Texas.

The Surge of Keyless Vehicle Thefts
Keyless vehicle thefts, also known as relay attacks or CAN bus attacks, have become increasingly common. Thieves use devices to capture the signal from a key fob inside a house and relay it to unlock and start the car. This method allows them to steal a vehicle in a matter of minutes without any physical damage.

One of the latest techniques involves CAN injection attacks, in which criminals manipulate a vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) to gain access. This method has been particularly effective against high-end vehicles with sophisticated electronic systems.

The rise in keyless thefts has led to increased insurance premiums and, in some cases, policy cancellations. State Farm Insurance reported a 22% increase in auto theft claims related to keyless entry systems in the past year.

Why Are Keyless Vehicles Targeted
Keyless vehicles are targeted because they offer a convenient entry point for thieves. The technology designed to make life easier for car owners has inadvertently provided a loophole for criminals. The lack of physical keys means that traditional theft deterrents, such as steering locks, are often bypassed.

How Keyless Vehicle Thefts Work
Keyless vehicle thefts, also known as "relay attacks," involve thieves using specialized equipment to amplify the signal from a key fob inside a home or building. This tricked the vehicle into thinking the owner was nearby, allowing the thieves to unlock and start the vehicle without the owner's knowledge or consent.

• Relay Attacks: Thieves use specialized equipment to intercept the signal between the car's key fob and the vehicle, tricking the system into unlocking the doors.
• Code Grabbing: Thieves can capture the unique code transmitted by the key fob and use it to create a duplicate.
• Physical Attacks: In some cases, thieves may attempt to physically bypass the keyless entry system, often by using specialized tools or exploiting design flaws

Protective Measures for Car Owners
To combat the rise in keyless vehicle thefts, car owners can take several steps to protect their vehicles:

• Use a Faraday Pouch: Store your key fob in a Faraday pouch to block its signal when not in use. This prevents thieves from capturing and relaying the signal.
• Install a Steering Wheel Lock: A visible deterrent like a steering wheel lock can make your vehicle less attractive to thieves.
• Use an OBD Port Lock: An OBD port lock prevents thieves from accessing your vehicle's onboard diagnostics port.
• Park in Well-Lit Areas: Always park your vehicle in well-lit, busy areas to reduce the risk of theft.
• Install a Tracking Device: A GPS tracker can help locate your vehicle if it is stolen. Apple and Samsung trackers are a good start.
• Enable PIN to Drive: Some vehicles offer a PIN to drive feature, which requires a code to start the car.
• Regularly Update Software: Ensure your vehicle's software is up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.

Car manufacturers are under increasing pressure to address this vulnerability. Tesla recently introduced the "Pin to Drive" feature, requiring a PIN before the vehicle can be driven. Other manufacturers are exploring biometric authentication and improved signal encryption.

What to Do If Your Vehicle is Stolen
If your vehicle is stolen, report the theft to the police immediately and provide them with the following information:

• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• License plate number
• Description of any distinctive features or modification

Forward Together
As keyless vehicle thefts continue to rise, car owners need to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles. By understanding the methods thieves use and implementing the recommended protective measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of keyless vehicle theft.

While the convenience of keyless entry systems is undeniable, the surge in related thefts is a bleak reminder that technological advancement often comes with unforeseen challenges. As the automotive industry races to close these security gaps, car owners must remain alert and adapt to protect their vehicles in this new digital age.

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