Car theft, a constant menace plaguing car owners worldwide, continues to pose significant challenges to individuals and law enforcement agencies alike. In the United States, the FBI’s 2022 Crime Report showed an increase in motor vehicle theft, reflecting a worrying trend that is on the rise everywhere.
According to the report, the number of carjackings — defined as theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle by force or threat — increased from 3,000 in 2020 to 3,713 in 2022 across seven cities: Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Memphis, Norfolk, and San Francisco.
In addition, the National Insurance Crime Bureau in the U.S. has consistently ranked Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the city with the highest per capita rate of car thefts, although regions like California and Nevada have also reported high rates.
A Peek into the Thieves’ Playbook
Ironically, automotive technological advancements have been a boon to society and provided novel tools for car thieves. The traditional “hot-wiring” has given way to more sophisticated electronic methods, with thieves often exploiting the vulnerabilities in modern keyless entry systems.
According to Leasing.com, “Relay attacks” have emerged as a favored technique where criminals use signal boosters to trick a keyless car into thinking its key is nearby.
A relay attack usually involves two people working together. One stands by the targeted vehicle, while the other stands near the house with a device that can pick up a signal from the key fob. Moreover, some devices can pick up a signal from over 100 yards away.
This type of vulnerability isn’t only an issue for 2023 models. A recent report in TechCrunch shows a vulnerability in Honda’s keyless entry system affects its vehicles as far back as 2012 and as current as the 2022 model year.
OBD port hacking is another worrisome trend where thieves connect devices to the On-board Diagnostic (OBD) port to program a new key for the vehicle.
And, if you’ve followed Kia and Hyundai’s recent issues regarding the Kia TikTok Challenge, it’s clear that something as simple as a USB cable can be used to steal a vehicle.
Is there a way to prevent vehicle theft or at least slow it down? Companies, auto manufacturers, and dealers are working on it, including VOXX-DEI. Let’s see what’s available.
Market Overview: Anti-Theft Technology Solutions
In response to the growing problem of car theft, the market for anti-theft technology solutions has been expanding and innovating at an impressive pace. Consumers have several options, from traditional devices like steering wheel locks to advanced solutions like the DS3/DS4 security and remote start system from VOXX-DEI.
Relay Attack Prevention using a DS3/DS4 System
In order to prevent vehicle theft from relay attacks, we first need to understand how it all works. When it comes to Smart Key vehicles, key fobs are always “listening” for communication signals from their associated vehicle. In order for the vehicle’s antenna to communicate with the key, the key must be in close proximity (typically less than a few feet).
Once detected, the signal is used to unlock and start the vehicle. Thieves can use RP amplification devices to transmit or “relay” the signal of a key that is out of range (inside the owner’s home or office, for example) to a device near the vehicle. This device then sends an “authorized user” message back to the vehicle, tricking the car into believing the key is present, and the vehicle is gone.
With the DS3/DS4, and the attached technical bulletin, you now have the answer for your customers to prevent this type of theft, offering peace-of-mind and the convenience of Remote Start!