There is a growing trend of criminals using keyless access tactics to gain entry into locked vehicles. Syndicates are becoming increasingly adept with technology, necessitating motorists to be extra vigilant.
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The feature designed for the convenience of motorists to effortlessly open and start their vehicles by simply having the key fob in close proximity to the car is also, regrettably, the feature that makes the system vulnerable to relay attacks.
The key fob emits a short-range radio signal that the car constantly scans for, triggering the locking or unlocking of doors when necessary. These radio signals are being hijacked by criminals using relay amplifiers.
Watch:
Using a relay amplifier, a criminal successfully enters a locked Ford Eco-Sport parked in a busy parking area situated in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, all while avoiding detection and raising any suspicion.
The keyless access tactic involves a pair of criminals using a relay amplifier, one criminal can boost and transmit the signal emitted by the car’s key fob to a relay transmitter held by their accomplice, deceiving the car into believing that it is in close proximity and granting unauthorised access.
How to protect your vehicles from criminals gaining entry
Deactivating your vehicle’s keyless entry feature is an option for mitigating this type of crime. Keeping your keys in an anti-theft Faraday case is another way to prevent criminals from gaining access to your vehicle. A Faraday case uses a metallic lining to block radio signals and can prevent the signal from being detected by thieves.
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These cars are being hijacked more frequently in South Africa
Picture: Ruffa Jane Reyes / Unsplash