[eye30]

The motor industry is calling for more safeguards after reports that thieves are targeting vehicles with "keyless" ignition systems.

"Equipment to steal vehicles in this way is legitimately used by workshops to carry out routine maintenance," said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It went on: "As part of the need for open access to technical information to enable a flourishing after-market, this equipment is available to independent technicians. However a minority of individuals are exploiting this to obtain the equipment to access vehicles fraudulently.

Thieves targeting 'keyless' cars - BT

[Dazzler]

 

[diablo]

Thieves using devices to open cars were around quite a few years ago. Though I thought the technology had improved a whole lot since then.

One of the many advantages of owning a Hyundai in the UK is that car crooks are badge snobs and very rarely steal them.

[John B]

Hey I am quite snobby about my Hyundai badge cause it opens when I go in reverse.

[PhireSideZA]

I didn't see it mentioned in the article but I suppose the crooks use a device that they bring near their targeted vehicle, and it must somehow 'match' up with said vehicle's alarm system and open it? I can understand if a dealership has to get access to the OBD port to reprogram a key for a user that has lost their set, but making it possible to reprogram a car or key without even gaining access to it is quite reckless IMHO.

I know over here in SA, the thieves mostly use a jammer that they use to jam the locking signal from your key fob, so as you walk away from your car and instinctively lock it, they prevent the signal from reaching your car. Apparently this can be done with a normal remote gate remote or the ones that come with automatic garage doors, but I am not too sure.

The other trick they use over here is quite devious - they trail people who are alone and watch them as they load their car with groceries, and as soon as you get in your car, start it and start reversing, they toss a brick or a bottle of glass underneath one of the wheels. Most people will leave their car running, unlock the doors, and climb out and see what they ran over whilst reversing. It is then that the crooks overwhelm the person and steal the still-running car.

Sadly the hijacking industry is quite large here as they mostly get broken down for spare parts. The accident rate doesn't help this cause either

[plasticphyte]

Part of the problem is that in some cases, it is far to easy for a threat actor to replicate the RF signal & content.
http://www.wired.com/2014/08/wireless-car-hack/

But to be fair, there is nothing stopping a threat actor from using other methods to enter and start a vehicle.

Maybe car makers are going to have to start using SSL certificates (a little tongue in cheek, as that isn't entirely practical either, for various reasons).

[PhireSideZA]

I found this clip on YouTube about the jamming I was talking about. I always make a point of watching whether my lights flash when I depress the lock button, but I am worried for the day I forget to do it and someone empties my car out

This is also why I would like it if we could make the i30's chirp upon locking, just for that extra safety measure

Crime South Africa Erasmuskloof car remote jamming - YouTube

[eye30]

Just been watching watchdog.

At least they wont be targeting my i30.....