Remote keyless entry has been around for a while – since the late 1980s, in fact – and today it’s almost standard on all new cars. But the pervasiveness of this feature is not without consequence. As researchers in Switzerland point out, the technology can make vehicle theft a breeze for a savvy thief.
Remote keyless-entry systems use radio waves that typically are specific to a manufacturer, and the signals are usually encrypted. When your vehicle’s key fob is within 20 feet of the car, you’re allowed to transmit a signal to unlock the doors, pop the trunk, remote start your car (when equipped) or activate the car alarm.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that these encrypted signals are easy to intercept and trick.
The theft works by setting up two antennas, one near the targeted vehicle and one near the holder of the key fob — be it in a purse, bag or pocket. This equipment can usually be purchased for $100 to $1,000. The person with the antenna aimed at the owner of the key fob needs to get within 26 feet of the target. In a store, this could be a few aisles away, so as to not arouse suspicion.
Once the antenna is near the intended victim’s key fob, the key transmits a low-power signal to the antenna, which is then relayed to the antenna near the vehicle. Once that occurs, the thief can unlock the doors and drive away (if the vehicle has push-button start).
The Swiss researchers hacked into eight car manufacturers’ passive-entry systems using this method. No cryptology or protocol could stop it.
While this system may seem fairly complicated, it could catch on with car thieves because of the cost of the equipment and anonymity. However, the hack cannot start the cars with traditional keys. Today’s ignition systems are increasingly complicated and secure. That’s one reason why car thefts are largely on the decline in the U.S.
David Wagner, a computer science professor at the University of California at Berkeley, said there are probably easier way to steal cars, but the “nasty aspect of high-tech car theft” is that it doesn’t leave any sign of forced entry. That could lead to problems with police and insurance companies in tracking down the criminals or with filing claims.
Right now, the only way to protect yourself is by either shielding your key fob’s radio with a guard or leaving your key fob at home. Srdjan Capkun, an assistant professor at ETH Zurich, says the institute is working on a way to prevent this sort of theft.
Car Theft by Antenna?(Technology Review, via CNet)
By Colin Bird | January 17, 2011 | Comments (10) Tags: In The News, Safety
?PreviousNext?
Comments?
Derrick G Jan 17, 2011 6:21:26 PMGo back and read this article again. They're not talking about just keyless entry. They're talking about "smart keys" with pushbutton start. The article says that not only could they open the car by pushing on the button built into the handle on such systems, they could start it too, because the fob IS the key.
Al Jan 17, 2011 8:44:05 PMFalse.
This method could conceivably be used to unlock a car, but a car with a smart key uses active RFID and a proximity sensor that requires the smart key to be INSIDE the car for the car to start.
In addition, the required encrypted RF signal to start the car is not the same signal used to unlock the car.
The proximity sensor is so sensitive it can detect if the smart key is less than an inch outside the car, or even if the key is in the trunk. If the smart key is locked into the trunk of our new Maxima, it automatically pops the trunk (just ask my wife!) I am sure my wife will eventually find a way to lock the keys in the Maxima though... She has outsmarted every other car.
dan Jan 17, 2011 10:05:42 PMThis is just lazy car manufacturers, the same public key encryption used in computer networking could be used for key fobs. Otp would also help.
Nick Jan 18, 2011 7:24:41 AMthis is really dumb on the part of the Swiss researchers, because once the car engine is stopped, it cannot be turned on again, so why would a smart thief do that?
Derrick G Jan 18, 2011 8:14:05 AMNick,
Many cars are stolen for parts, so you only need to get it to a chop-shop and you're good to go.
Tony Jan 18, 2011 10:01:31 AM"...or leaving your key fob at home".
And what if your key fob is integrated with your key?
Besides, these cars have engine immobilizers. They can open my car but without my key in it they will not start the engine.
Also, this is why I have insurance. And insurance charges me less exactly because I have this kind of key.
Honestly... If I want to steel a car for chop shop, I would just load it into the trailer and bring it over like that.
Bob Jan 18, 2011 10:07:21 AMThis implies the key is constantly broadcasting but could be shielded....why not have an "off" switch that totally disables the key or blocks it. You could probably capture the signal by parking in the lot and when someone arrives and locks their door, be close enough to capture the signal.
qdp Jan 18, 2011 11:13:47 AMJust make the fob's radio wave more directionally focused, something like laser, so than neighboring receiving can't easily pick up the signal
qdp Jan 18, 2011 11:15:54 AMJust make the fob's radio signal more directionally focused, something like laser, so that neighboring receiving devices can't easily pick up the signal
Chad Jan 18, 2011 11:25:22 AMIf the Government had any interest in wiping out car thefts they would make it a mandatory two year prison term. How many politicians do you think have their cars stolen?
Post a Comment?
Please remember a few rules before posting comments:If you don't want people to see your email address, simply type in the URL of your favorite website or leave the field empty.Do not mention specific car dealers by name. Feel free to mention your city, state and brand.Try to be civil to your fellow blog readers. This blog is not a fan or enthusiast forum, it is meant to help people during the car-buying process and during the time between purchases, so shoppers can keep a pulse on the market.Stay on topic. We want to hear your opinions and thoughts, but please only comment about the specified topic in the blog post.view posting rulesIf you have a TypeKey or TypePad account, pleaseSign InYou are currently signed in as(nobody).Sign Out
Name:
Email Address:
URL:
Remember personal info?
Comments:CloseSearch ResultsKickingTires Search Results for
Cars.com Search Results for
Previous Next
Search Kicking Tires Categories About UsBest SellersCar BuyingCar GadgetsCar ReviewsCash for ClunkersForecastHybrids/Alternative FuelsIncentivesIn The NewsMileage ChallengeMovers and LosersPodcastsPop CultureRecallsSafetyVideo2010 Chicago Auto Show2010 New York Auto Show2010 Paris Motor Show2010 L.A. Auto Show2011 Detroit Auto ShowCars.com LinksResearch a VehicleSearch for New & UsedList Your Vehicle for SaleRead Automotive AdviceRead Expert ReviewsReview Your Own CarFind Cars That Fit Your LifeFind Insurance, Parts and More
Recent Comments Chrysler's Badge Confusion?by Cheap Used ComputersChevrolet Sonic To Join 40 MPG Club?by hoosier_royFirst Fiat 500s to be Manual Only?by hoosier_royChevrolet Sonic To Join 40 MPG Club?by Troy S.Chevrolet Sonic To Join 40 MPG Club?by Troy S.Chevrolet Sonic To Join 40 MPG Club?by BellyChevrolet Sonic To Join 40 MPG Club?by ShethChevrolet Sonic To Join 40 MPG Club?by ShethFirst Fiat 500s to be Manual Only?by DanFirst Fiat 500s to be Manual Only?by Amuro Ray 
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips! Buy Search for New & Used Cars Build a New Car Find Car Dealers Near You Buscar en Espa–ol Sell List Your Car for Sale How to Sell Your Car How Much Is Your Car Worth? Frequently Asked Questions Research Research a Specific Car Compare Cars Side-by-Side Read Expert Reviews Find Cars That Match Your Lifestyle Shopping Advice For Buying a Car For Financing a Car Top 10 Car Lists Gas Mileage Lists Cars.com Home | About Cars.com | Employment Opportunities | Become a Cars.com Dealer
By using this site, you agree to our terms of service | c2011 Cars.com | Privacy Statement
No comments:
Post a Comment