Insurers have drawn attention to the use of sophisticated techniques being employed to burglarize cars as numbers indicate a noticeable increase in car robberies this past year.
Modern cars are outfitted with advanced security technology, yet criminals are looking for tactics that can bypass these measures. Consequently, breaking into a vehicle can be done quickly.
Industry professionals have observed a problem with key cloning and relay theft. Therefore, they are suggesting that vehicle owners return to utilizing traditional protective measures like steering wheel locks, and never leaving any possessions in the car.
The result of a stolen car is an inconvenience that goes beyond the problem itself. Insurance companies point out that this increase in theft could lead to a higher cost for all drivers as premiums start to increase. Not just those directly affected, but everyone would feel the strain.
Coming up with a solution for this problem doesn't involve a straightforward solution. Criminals are increasingly crafty, particularly when they have access to devices that allow them to get around your built-in security systems. Moreover, with the booming of the pre-owned car market, they know which automobiles are likely to make them the most money.
Data from recent times indicates Land Rovers are among the vehicles most often stolen
In the UK, a recent investigation into the types of cars that are most commonly stolen has revealed that Land Rover's Range Rovers are leading the pack. Mercedes-Benz vehicles come in second. Interestingly, statistics suggest that car thieves are not partial to bright and unique colours but instead opt for cars with more muted hues that are less noticeable in a crowd.
What kind of advanced technology are criminals using to target vehicles, and what steps can be taken to safeguard against it?
Advances in knowledge have brought to light that organized crime syndicates are making use of relay technology to pilfer cars, sometimes even from people's driveways.
What is meant by a relay attack?
Automobiles of today come equipped with a plethora of technologies for the driver's ease, additional safety, and bolstered security. This includes keyless entry. It could be assumed that it would be difficult for someone to gain access to a vehicle with this function. Nonetheless, criminals can take advantage of this system, get into the car, and drive it away without needing the physical key fob.
What is the process?
Usually, burglars team up or collaborate to intercept the emission from your key fob. They use a machine that can pick up the signal from your vehicle as well as the key fob, which could be located in your home. Many people tend to leave their keys close to the main entrance of their houses or near windows, which means the crooks don't even need to break in to get to the car.
Thieves employ devices to send a signal to one another and the fob replicates the proximity of the car, allowing them to enter the transmission. This whole process is usually completed in a short amount of time and they can make off with the car without being detected.
It was demonstrated with an experiment from the Daily Mail that even after purchasing a car with keyless entry from the internet, this technology is still vulnerable to hacking. Sadly, this applies to a variety of brands and models.
What methods are available to thwart relay attacks?
Utilize a key fob signal jammer
One way to safeguard your car from electronic signals is to invest in a specialised wallet. It is an affordable means of protecting your automobile.
Ensure that it is securely locked
Having a keyless lock on your car can be very useful; however, it is easy to mistakenly think that the car is secured after you have shut the door. To be on the safe side, you should always double-check to make sure the car is indeed locked since criminals often try door handles to see if they are unlocked.
It is a good idea to store keys away from entranceways such as doors and windows.
Keeping your keys in an area remotely located from the primary entry points of a building is an effective way to ward off any potential attacks. However, many times, attacks still happen due to keys being left too close to doors and windows.
Incorporate classic security measures
A useful method of deterring car theft is the re-introduction of steering locks. Additionally, other precautionary steps can be taken such as the use of wheel clamps and foldable bollards on your driveway to thwart potential robbery.
Setting up a ghost immobiliser on your vehicle
In addition to an immobiliser, an access code is needed to begin the operation of one's car, providing an extra safeguard.
Installing a tracking system
or
Setting up a tracking device
This device won't prevent theft, but it does provide a clue to the car's whereabouts which can then be given to law enforcement.
What steps are law enforcement taking to address the rise of relay attacks and car thefts?
In 2021, the police in the UK employed more sophisticated strategies to apprehend criminal bands that were responsible for the spike in stolen cars. A notable example of this was in Liverpool, where a band of car thieves were eventually sentenced following a wave of organised robberies. This is only one of many occurrences where valuable items were taken and police operations were carried out to bring the culprits to justice.
The government has introduced fresh directives to automobile makers to raise their security, and these regulations encompass self-driving cars as part of the Autonomous and Electric Vehicles Act. It is not just the police who are increasing their efforts to capture perpetrators - these new measures are in effect as well.
The Minister of Transport declared that they must make certain that the vehicles are designed with cyber-security in mind, to prevent theft, intrusions and the possibility of accidents caused by hackers.
Recently, some automobile producers have taken action to heighten security measures. A prime example is Ford who declared that certain models of theirs will include a 'sleep mode' to safeguard against relay attacks.
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