Can Car Thieves Hack Keyless Entry?

Active keyless entry and passive keyless entry are conveniences in vehicle ownership, and both are designed to help discourage thieves from breaking into a vehicle and offer the owner conveniences of push-button commands. Both keyless entry systems use a chip to communicate with the vehicle to allow commands like starting the engine and opening the doors. Both are secure, and both are more secure than a traditional key. However, that doesn’t mean that they are entirely secure. Ways that thieves can break into the vehicle include the following.

Passive Signal Amplification

With passive keyless entry, automobile owners must be much closer to the automobile for the commands to be granted. The auto’s onboard computer emits a low-frequency signal that extends a very short distance. When the transponder key is close enough to the automobile, the signal is detected, and the key will send a sequenced code to the computer, and the automobile will allow the commands.

The key is not fool proof security. Devices can be used that amplify the low-frequency signal, allowing the car and the key to connecting from further away, making it possible for thieves to steal the vehicle. However, a proximity chip can be installed in the transponder key that would prevent this from happening.

Brute Force Hacks

Both foreign and domestic automobiles use this type of entry system, and each has a unique sequence code between the automobile and the key. With trillions of combinations and only a few valid at any given time, the signal transmitting through the air at any given time is high.

Brute force hacks are hacks that take advantage of the lack of functionality. They send transmissions with millions of different code combinations in a matter of minutes. If they happen to send the right sequence, then the auto will accept the commands like unlocking the car. Encryption levels are being increased to combat this method of a thief. Most automobiles use a 56- bit encryption; however, upgrading to 128-bit encryption would increase the security of the car.

Other Methods

Thieves have plenty of techniques to enter autos. A frequency jammer is one. The device is one that is illegal and used to block transmissions within a certain frequency range. When one is used close to an auto the signal will not connect, and the car owner will think they’ve locked their car, but the command will be blocked, therefore not allowed by the car’s onboard computer. The thief then has easy access to the vehicle.

Thieves can also clone keys and their security code when the car is in the shop being repaired, or in some other area that allows access to the auto.

Hacking Is Possible

Hacking is possible, but it isn’t likely. Knowledge and specialised equipment are both necessary. It is important that car owners take the necessary precautions to secure their vehicle like upgrading the encryption of the key, and to park their vehicle in the garage when at home.

The Author is a content writer of Perth Emergency Locksmith. This article is about Perth locksmith and their services.