If you have never had your car stolen, count yourself among the lucky few. Nothing compares to the pain and anger of having your personal space invaded. Vehicles are an integral part of our daily lives, and their absence can leave us feeling bereft.
To add insult to injury, automobiles can be quite pricey. One of the larger investments we will make in our lives, the newest models have many convenient features. We find them extremely useful because of the technology built into them, but occasionally that technology causes issues.
There has been an increase in car thefts, so your perception is correct. According to Sky News, auto thefts have increased by 30 percent in the last few years.
You’d think the new technology would make up for it, but car thieves are learning to circumvent those protections as quickly as the automakers can install them. It’s not always necessary to have the keys to steal a car.
“As the car becomes increasingly networked digitally, it naturally becomes vulnerable to new forms of crime. Steve Launchbury, of Thatcham Research, was quoted as saying, “You now have the risk of the signal being captured when you have keyless-type vehicles where you physically just press a button and walk away.”
Most vehicles’ keyless fobs are vulnerable to theft. If they can boost the signal, they can unlock your car even if you aren’t in the vicinity.
The fob codes are easily replicable, according to USA Today. The automotive industry, alas, is falling behind the criminals.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to hope for. You can take some precautions to safeguard your vehicle. Some possibilities are listed below for your review:
Keep Your Vehicle Safe After Dark
Keep the key fob hidden in a coffee can to thwart would-be car thieves who operate at night. They can’t crack the code because the metal in the coffee interferes with the signals.
Keep Your Vehicle Safe During the Day
Former cybersecurity expert Holly Hubert told USA Today that while this method is “not ideal,” it is the cheapest option available. Consumers face a “dynamic and ever-changing cyber threat” that is difficult to track.
Alternatively, for a small price, Faraday bags can be purchased. These are capable of effectively shielding against electromagnetic radiation. Wrapping the key fob in aluminum foil may prevent a very annoying and expensive problem until you can get a replacement.
