This applies to all cars that use a similar Smart Key system where the car unlocks using proximity sensors. Researchers have been able to unlock cars with a radio relay system with one end near the key and one end near the car. A thief can hide up to 8 meters away from the owner carrying the fob and an assistant can walk by the car and have it not only unlock, but start it and drive away. No cracking of the encryption is needed. Insurance may not cover the stolen car since there will be no evidence of forced entry. Carjacking by Antenna - Technology Review
This is essentially a passive form of "man in the middle" attack and is nothing new. The only new part is the innovative use of it with an RF relay to give more range to the fobs. To work with a Prius, the attack has to be carried out twice: once to open the car door, and a second time inside the car to simulate a fob in the driver's area. Of course, once the Prius is driven off, there is no way to restart it after the first power down, so this technique is a bit like hauling a car away on a flat bed, but not as obvious. If you are really worried about this sort of attack, you need to shield for SKS fob when you are away from the car. If you are not in the immediate vicinity of your car, then the thief has to locate you first before initiating the attack. It's not as easy as it sounds, since this method is not able to discriminate one fob from another. Essentially, they have to sweep the area with a directional antenna, and keep looking until they find the right fob. Tom
Great, so now I need a lead lined pocket (purse for the ladies) to shield my keys RF transmission from potential car thieves.
This is where it helps to have a good insurance company. Some companies (typically the discount ones) will fight tooth and nail to avoid paying a claim, and will grab at any loophole. Some companies will go out of their way to do right by the owner. This sounds to me like a proof of concept that would be more difficult to work in practice than easier methods of car theft.
It's easier just to come by with a flatbed and truck the car away. Thieves can usually steal your car this way within 2 minutes. We had a similar post a few months back. Someone said : "Locks keep the honest people honest" or something to that effect.
This seems easier and more low key than a flatbed truck to me. As long as the relay equipment can be hidden or disguised as something else, the thief can just casually walk up to the car like they own it, jump in and drive away. No flatbad truck commotion to attract attention.
I've read a magazine today describing the number of car thefts in Germany using this technique recently. All brands: BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Toyota... Required equipment readily available on eBay. Any recommendations on this? I have disabled the Smart Entry & Start feature for the time being. Will see if I can adapt back to the old days.
i hope making predictions is not you day job. i still own an old club. do you remember those? i will consider dusting it of and using when taking a long trip. more as a deterrent.
I use a sort of steering immobilizer club -- it immobilizes the "steerer." Of course, if you want to go more high-tech, consider the system detailed in the video below:
that's exactly what i was thinking as i was typing, but haven't thieves been able to get around those?
