At a time when our personal devices seem to be listening in on our every word, there has been a new, unexpected threat that could occur much closer to home—or much closer to your driveway.
Smartphones surreptitiously record conversations, and we’ve all heard about the dangers of eavesdropping on family conversations and smart TVs. But what if we told you that your car is also listening to an electronic signal that could make it easier for high-end equipment to be stolen? Yes, your car equipped with the latest hands-free control technology could be the next target in the sophisticated electronic car theft that is rapidly expanding around the world
We’ve previously published articles warning you about the dangers of listening in on cell phones and indoor televisions to capture your voice in privacy.
You might be surprised to find that other things are listening, but you wouldn’t think so. In addition, your car listens to an electronic signal. If your car has a hands-free fob car entry system or is it more recent?
While it’s easy to write a code or not push a button when you’re in your car, car theft is on the rise.
The CBC has referred to this latest crime as “electronic car theft.”[1] Even the basic devices that amplify the wireless signal between car keys and fobs are invented by car thieves, and they operate without raising any alarms! This allows thieves to open (and sometimes start) the vehicle long before the owner arrives at their destination.
However, my car and fob codes are not the same.
Yes, they do; Your car’s computer chip code and key fob are programmed to match signals, allowing the car to unlock when that’s done. Here are two examples of how hackers and car thieves can steal cars cyberbully:
Researchers at Birmingham and Rabaud University in the Netherlands conducted an experiment to determine how easy it would be to break into a car by amplifying the signal if the car’s signal could only be blocked twice, and the code would likely be changed approximately 200,000 instead of billions Defining the code at that time will cause the computer to unlock the car within 30 minutes.
In theory, as people rush in and out of their cars, anyone could be sitting on your street collecting WiFi signals.
The rules could be deciphered in just over a few hours and many cars would be gone that night. Unlikely, but still possible. However, there is a more likely way that electronic car theft can do for you.
Modern cars have “always on” fobs that are designed to lock the car until it’s within one foot. Sure, isn’t it?
Yes, there was none of it. Nick Bilton of the New York Times saw this firsthand on his street. Ultimately, with his mysterious black box, Bilton caught the teens responsible for stealing several cars, including his own, three times a month.
He later discovered that the black box was a power generator that could actually amplify the signal from the fob to open the car up to 300 feet! The fact that this powerhouse can be had for as little as $17, or less than $100 makes it pretty awesome!
Making a key that should be activated when the driver is ready to leave is one-way automakers are fighting the rise of electronic vehicle thefts that naturally lose interest in the process in the 19th century. And today, simple things matter most.
Authorities around the world are telling car owners to take action
Authorities and other professionals recommend a few unique ways to prevent electronic vehicle theft. 2,4J is available
Put your Fob in the Freeze
Be sure to confirm with the manufacturer that it is safe to freeze your keyboard. The metal barrier protects the fob from the power amplifier and prevents it from moving if everything looks good.
Put it in the microwave.
Incidentally, if you leave this kitchen appliance idle, the metal part will also protect your car from theft. If your keypad is protected by the contents of the microwave, signal boosters aren’t wise to pick up.
Place aluminum foil around the fob.
While we don’t recommend using aluminum foil for cooking or heating, it is acceptable to use to protect your family car and its accessories! This is an inexpensive way to protect your car, but professionals advise wrapping it all up (multiple in several layers) to avoid any gaps for the signal to get through.
New measures to prevent electronic vehicle theft
Keypads should be placed on metal coffee mugs.
Invest in a small signal-blocking bag to keep your keypad safe.
Hopefully, these options will bring safety and comfort to you and your family until automakers figure out a way to protect cars and keyfob signals! Please share this post with anyone you know who has experienced electronic car theft! Better to be safe than sorry.
As technology advances, so do the methods used by criminals. The rise in electronic car thefts is a stark reminder that the conveniences we enjoy—like keyless entry devices—can also make us vulnerable. As manufacturers work to develop more secure solutions, it is important for car owners to take proactive measures to protect their vehicles from these high-tech thieves
By following the simple precautions outlined in this article—like storing your keys in a seal-blocking bag or even wrapping them in aluminum foil—you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of theft car electronics These features may seem small, but they protect your car, They can make all the difference in protecting you and your peace of mind.
In a time when convenience is often expensive, it is important to stay informed and vigilant. Share these tips with your friends and family to help protect their cars as well. But when it comes to keeping your car safe, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.