Remember when unlocking your car meant fumbling for keys? Those days are long gone for many of us, replaced by the convenience of keyless entry systems. But this modern marvel comes with a dark side. Hackers and car thieves have found ways to exploit these systems, turning your high-tech key fob into a potential security nightmare.
Replay attacks can give thieves an encore performance
One of the earliest vulnerabilities discovered in keyless entry systems was the replay attack. In this scenario, criminals use a device to record the unlock signal from your key fob when you press the button. Later, they can replay this signal to unlock your car, just like rewinding and playing a song on an old cassette tape.
Car manufacturers thought they outsmarted thieves by implementing rolling codes, which change the unlock signal each time you use your fob. But criminals are a persistent bunch. They developed a technique called a “roll jam” attack, where they jam your original signal and capture the rolling code. This allows them to use the code later to gain entry to your vehicle.
To combat these attacks, automakers have started encrypting the messages between the key fob and the car. This makes it much harder for attackers to construct valid messages based on intercepted signals. But as we’ll see, the game of cat and mouse between car makers and car thieves is far from over.
Passive keyless entry systems aren’t as passive as you think
Passive keyless entry (PKE) systems take convenience to the next level. They allow you to unlock and start your car without even taking the key fob out of your pocket. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, this convenience comes at a cost.
These systems are vulnerable to what’s known as a “relay attack.” In this scenario, two thieves work together using a pair of radio transmitters. One stands near your car, while the other positions themselves close to where your key fob is located – perhaps just outside your home or office. The transmitters relay the signal between your key and your car, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key is nearby.
What’s particularly alarming about this type of attack is that it can be carried out even when your keys are safely inside your house. As long as the thief can get close enough to pick up the fob’s signal, your car could be at risk. And here’s a sobering thought: the equipment needed for these attacks can be purchased online for as little as £100.
Your key fob’s range is longer than you realize
Most of us assume our key fobs only work within a short range – typically a few feet. However, criminals have found ways to extend this range dramatically. Using signal amplifiers, also known as “fob extenders” or “fob enhancers,” thieves can boost the signal from your key fob, allowing them to unlock and potentially start your car from much further away than intended.
This vulnerability stems from the fact that many keyless entry systems don’t actually measure the distance between the key and the car. They simply detect the presence of the key’s signal. By amplifying this signal, criminals can fool your car into thinking the key is nearby, even if it’s actually inside your house or office.
What if your key fob was smart enough to know when it was being tricked? Some manufacturers are working on implementing motion sensors in key fobs. These would detect if the fob has been stationary for a long period, potentially indicating that it’s safely stored away, and temporarily disable its transmission capabilities.
Criminals can clone your key fob’s signal
Once a thief has successfully unlocked and started your car using a relay attack, they’re not done yet. Modern car thieves have figured out how to clone your key fob’s signal. This means they can create a digital copy of your key, allowing them to restart and use the stolen vehicle repeatedly.
This cloning capability turns what might have been a one-time joy ride into a permanent theft. It’s particularly concerning because it means that even if you manage to recover your vehicle, the thief might still have access to it unless you take steps to reprogram your car’s security system.
To combat this, some manufacturers are implementing more sophisticated authentication methods. These might include challenge-response protocols, where the car sends a unique challenge to the key fob each time, requiring a specific response. This makes it much harder for thieves to simply replay a captured signal.
Updates are crucial but not always available
In the world of cybersecurity, staying up-to-date is crucial. As new vulnerabilities are discovered, software updates can patch these security holes. However, unlike your smartphone or computer, car updates aren’t always as straightforward or readily available.
Many older vehicles lack the capability for over-the-air updates, meaning you might need to visit a dealership to get your car’s software updated. Even worse, some manufacturers might not provide updates for older models at all, leaving them perpetually vulnerable to known attacks.
This situation is slowly improving, with newer car models increasingly supporting over-the-air updates. However, it’s important to stay informed about any potential security updates for your vehicle and ensure you apply them promptly when available.
UWB technology isn’t a silver bullet
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology has been hailed as a potential game-changer in automotive security. It offers more precise distance measurements and is theoretically more resistant to relay attacks. However, it’s not a perfect solution.
Take Tesla, for example. Despite using UWB technology in their keyless entry system, Tesla vehicles are still vulnerable to certain types of relay attacks. This is because their system also relies on Bluetooth technology, which can be exploited.
To address this, Tesla has implemented an additional security feature called “PIN-to-drive.” This requires the driver to enter a four-digit PIN before the car can be driven, adding an extra layer of protection. It’s a reminder that even the most advanced technologies may need backup security measures.
Insurance might not cover keyless theft
Here’s a sobering thought: if your car is stolen using a keyless entry hack, your insurance might not cover it. Some insurance policies have clauses that exclude coverage for theft if the keys were left in or on the vehicle. In the case of a relay attack, the insurer might argue that your key fob’s signal was effectively “in” the car.
It’s crucial to check your insurance policy carefully and understand how it treats keyless theft. Some insurers are updating their policies to explicitly cover these types of thefts, but others may still have exclusions. Don’t wait until after a theft to find out whether you’re covered.
Consider additional coverage options like GAP insurance, which can protect you financially if your car is stolen and not recovered. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, but it’s wise to be prepared for all eventualities.
Simple solutions can make a big difference
While the vulnerabilities in keyless entry systems might seem daunting, there are several simple steps you can take to protect your vehicle. One of the most effective is to use a Faraday cage or pouch to store your key fob when not in use. These block the key’s signal, preventing relay attacks.
Other practical measures include parking in well-lit areas, using steering wheel locks or other visible deterrents, and being mindful of where you keep your keys at home. Storing them away from doors and windows can make it harder for thieves to pick up the signal.
Some car manufacturers are also introducing features like key fobs with motion sensors. These detect when the fob has been stationary for a while and automatically switch off its transmission, preventing relay attacks when the keys are left unattended.
The convenience of keyless entry systems is undeniable, but it’s clear that this convenience comes with risks. As car manufacturers and cybersecurity experts work to stay ahead of criminals, it’s up to us as car owners to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect our vehicles. By understanding the vulnerabilities and implementing simple security measures, we can enjoy the benefits of keyless technology while minimizing the risks. After all, in the digital age, a little caution goes a long way in keeping our cars – and the valuable possessions inside them – safe and secure.
