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With the increasing popularity of keyless entry and ignition, car theft through “relay attacks” is a growing concern for Canadian drivers and insurance providers.
Key fobs have become standard with most vehicles, but this system allows drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without taking the key fob out of their pocket. The problem is thieves can use technology to intercept the signal and easily steal your car.
If you own a car with a keyless entry system, your vehicle may be an easier target for thieves. In this post, we'll explore essential tips to keep your vehicle safe and offer advice on how to limit the risk.
In September 2023, CBC reported that the majority of stolen cars are exported by organized crime. Thieves utilize technology to steal your car. What used to take 10 to 20 minutes to steal a car, can now be done as fast as 15 to 30 seconds.
In Ontario, many stolen vehicles are targeted due to the keyless ignition system. Honda's CR-V, Toyota's Highlander, Lexus's RX and Ford's F-150 are among the most popular models targeted.
Vehicles are being stolen in a few ways, including relay attacks, onboard diagnostic port hacking, and CAN (Controller Area Network). Here’s how they work:
You may have heard about the "relay attack" technique, where thieves use a device to capture signals from car key fobs inside homes and amplify them to unlock car doors. However, experts warn that criminals now opt for a simpler and more affordable solution: lock-picking tools. These tools can be easily found on online marketplaces for less than $60.
Once the car is accessed, thieves usually insert a key programmer, which can be obtained for less than $1,000 online, into the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port. This port is typically located beneath the steering wheel, where mechanics connect a diagnostic tool to the vehicle's computer.
By utilizing this port, the thieves can program a blank key fob to match the car's specifications. Almost any vehicle with a push-to-start ignition can be targeted this way. A different tool is required to duplicate the key for vehicles that use physical keys.
Leaving your key near your front door makes it easier for them to get the signal since the thieves stand outside a home and use the transmitter device to pick up the signal. The signal can be hijacked even if your wireless key fob is in your purse or jacket.
A second person will usually stand near the vehicle ready to transmit the signal, unlock the door and start the vehicle. They may also want to steal your belongings or personal information.
Even if your vehicle isn’t on the top list of stolen vehicles, we should all be taking precautions to protect our vehicles. If you’re looking for advice on how to limit the chances of your vehicle being a target of relay attacks, here are five tips to consider:
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It’s important to be mindful about locking your car at work, public parking, and even underground parking spots, as thieves can still pick up on signals. Even in this high-tech era, some of the most impactful ways to limit the risk of your car being stolen are steering wheel locks, blocking desirable cars in the driveway, and parking in secure garages. Take a look at our 10 tips to prevent auto theft.
Over the past few years, car thefts using the vehicle's key fob have surged in Canada's urban centers, such as Toronto. Luxury vehicles with advanced keyless systems and high resale value are often the prime targets. Be sure to follow steps to limit the risk of keyless theft, and keep your Toronto car insurance up to date.
They can – vehicles with keyless ignition are prime targets because they use software to connect to your key fob. This allows them to unlock the car and even turn it on. Wireless relay attacks can scan signals from your key fob and get into the vehicle.
It’s highly worth considering a signal blocking pouch to protect your wireless key fob from transmitting the vehicle code. Since they are lined with metallic materials, thieves can struggle to access the data they need to take your vehicle. They are also an affordable option, starting at around $20.
Even with all the proper steps to prevent electronic vehicle theft, always reach out to your broker to ensure your Ontario auto insurance has the right coverage in place to protect you in the event of a theft. You can also ask about insurance discounts and rebates for installing additional protection measures.
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| Categories | Auto |
|---|---|
| Tags | Auto Theft and Security |
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