Car theft has risen to a new level of sophistication, especially with the growth of technology. While new advancements in car security have made it increasingly difficult for thieves to steal a car, some new-age tactics can catch even the most cautious drivers off guard. Just in 2022, Statista reported about 283 cases per 100,000 motor vehicle theft in the U.S.
While keyless entry, remote start, and other advanced car tech are becoming standard features in many cars, they also come with security risks. Car thieves have developed new ways to exploit these features and make undetected break-ins. Therefore, it’s best to know what new trends in car theft are out there and how you can protect your vehicle from these sophisticated criminals.
The Latest Car Break-in Tactics
The traditional methods of car theft — window breaking and opening unlocked doors — continue to be a common way for thieves to gain access to cars. However, new high-tech tactics often exploit the modern vehicle’s electronic systems, allowing criminals to bypass security features without leaving a trace.
Relay Attacks
Relay attacks are cyberattacks in which hackers intercept and manipulate communication between short-range devices like key fobs and garage openers to gain unauthorized access. When hackers capture these signals from your devices, they can trick the systems into thinking that a legitimate user is allowing them to unlock cars or open garage doors.
- The attacker identifies your car’s target device.
- The attacker uses special tools, typically consisting of two relay devices. One device is placed near the target system, and the other is placed near the legitimate device.
- The device near the target system intercepts its signals to the legitimate device.
- The intercepted signals are relayed to a second device near the legitimate device. This second device captures the response and relays it back to the first device near the target system.
- The target system, fooled by the relayed signals, thinks the legitimate device is nearby. For a car, this means it unlocks the doors or even starts the engine.
To protect against relay attacks, car owners can use Faraday cages or signal-blocking pouches for their key fobs and consider extra security devices or disabling keyless entry when not needed. For modern garage door openers, use rolling code technology. This tech changes the code each time you press the button, making it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to capture and replicate the code.
On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD2) Port Manipulation
The On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD2) port is a standard feature in today’s cars, used to check and monitor different systems within the vehicle. It can spot various issues, like engine misfires or sensor failures, using standardized error codes. Mechanics also use the OBD2 port to update the car’s performance settings.
Thieves can exploit the OBD2 port to steal vehicles, especially those with keyless entry and push-start systems. They break into the car quickly and discreetly, even in public places, to access the OBD2 port. Using inexpensive, common OBD2 readers, thieves can download the digital key information from the vehicle’s ECU in under 60 seconds. With this data, they can program a blank key fob to duplicate the original key, allowing them to unlock, start, and drive away the vehicle.
To guard against OBD2 port tampering, car owners can use OBD2 port locks and add extra security systems. OBD2 port locks are physical covers that need a key to access, adding a layer of protection to deter thieves. Plus, installing security systems that monitor for unauthorized access can alert owners or block the port from being used without proper authorization.
Bluetooth Hacking
A critical Bluetooth vulnerability affects millions of cars, including brands like Tesla and BMW that use phone-as-a-key systems. This flaw lets thieves exploit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to unlock and steal vehicles. With a relay device, a thief can intercept a phone’s Bluetooth signal indoors or nearby, tricking the car into granting access without physical keys.
The rising use of Bluetooth scanning in car theft is worrying due to the easy access and low cost of the necessary technology. Relay devices that capture and retransmit Bluetooth signals are cheap and readily available.
To minimize theft risk, drivers should make cars undiscoverable via Bluetooth and turn off devices when not in use. When parked, secure key fobs to prevent signal capture. Additionally, using two-factor authentication for phone-as-a-key systems can make it harder for hackers to access the vehicle through Bluetooth signals.
Mobile App Vulnerabilities
Due to their widespread use and sensitive functions, mobile apps for car control come with significant security risks. These apps can locate a car via GPS, unlock doors, start the engine, and control other devices, making them appealing to hackers. If a hacker accesses a user’s mobile device with such an app, they could potentially steal the car easily.
If the app doesn’t use proper code obfuscation, it can be easily decompiled, allowing attackers to study the code and find weaknesses. For example, some apps store user credentials, like usernames and passwords, in plain text, making it easy for malware with root access to swipe this information. To shield against these vulnerabilities, developers must have strong security practices.
Preventive Measures
Protecting your car and your belongings is essential to consider. There are various ways to do so, from software to physical safeguards.
Regularly Update Car Software
Like your computer or smartphone, your car’s systems need regular updates to fix bugs and vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Manufacturers release these updates to fix new security flaws, protecting your vehicle against the latest threats.
Additionally, remember to update any mobile apps connected to your car. These apps often control critical functions and can be another potential entry point for cyberattacks if outdated.
Disable Keyless Entry Features
Turning off keyless entry features can help prevent break-ins, especially relay attacks. While keyless entry is super convenient, switching it off can reduce the chances of someone getting into your car without permission.
Just keep in mind the potential drawbacks. Disabling keyless entry might mean needing to have a physical key on hand at all times, which can be cumbersome and easy to misplace.
Use Physical Deterrents
Physical deterrents like steering wheel locks are an effective way to prevent theft. These visible devices signal that your car is a challenging target. Using steering wheel locks, pedal locks, and tire clamps ensures that a thief would need more tools and time to steal your car, making it less appealing.
While no single method is foolproof, mixing physical deterrents with advanced tech creates a strong barrier against theft.
Responding to a Break-in
After a break-in, you’re probably flustered and worried about the safety of your belongings. However, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow certain steps to minimize the damage and increase the chances of recovering stolen items.
Contact Law Enforcement Immediately
The first step after discovering a break-in is to contact law enforcement. Reporting the incident to the police is essential as it creates an official record of the crime, helps with insurance claims, and increases the chances of recovering stolen items.
When filing a police report, include your car’s details, list missing items, and specify the break-in time and location to facilitate the process and help law enforcement.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After filing the police report, the next step is to reach out to your insurance company. Let them know about the break-in and start the claims process. Here’s what to do:
- Take clear photos of the damage and any other evidence of the break-in.
- Share all relevant details from the police report and any additional relevant information.
- Stay in contact with your insurance so you know what to expect and have a claim timeline.
During the claims process, get ready for an adjuster to check out the damage. They might come by to inspect your vehicle personally or ask for more documentation.
Repair and Replace Damaged Components
Car break-ins often result in physical damage, such as broken windows, windshields, and compromised locks, which need prompt repair to restore your vehicle’s security and functionality. Your best option is to contact professionals, such as windshield replacement and windshield repair services, to fix any damages from the break-in. Moreover, it’s also worth replacing your compromised security systems to prevent future break-ins.
As cars become more connected, car owners must stay vigilant about protecting their vehicles from cyberattacks and physical theft. Following these preventive measures and responding promptly to break-ins can help keep your car safe and secure.