Get Tech Support Now - (818) 584-6021 - C2 Technology Partners, Inc.

Get Tech Support Now - (818) 584-6021 - C2 Technology Partners, Inc.

C2 provides technology services and consultation to businesses and individuals.

T (818) 584 6021
Email: info@c2techs.net

C2 Technology Partners, Inc.
26500 Agoura Rd, Ste 102-576, Calabasas, CA 91302

Open in Google Maps
QUESTIONS? CALL: 818-584-6021
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • SERVICES
    • Onsite Support
    • Encryption
    • Backups
  • ABOUT
    • Privacy Policy
FREECONSULT
Wednesday, 23 March 2016 / Published in Woo on Tech

Proximity fob hack used by car thieves

Time for caution

In case I haven’t scared you enough about the technology innovations that make our lives easier at the cost of security, here’s another worry to add to the growing pile. Automobile security researchers (a growing subset in the security industry) in Germany have published their findings on using wireless amplification technology to trick certain makes and models of cars into thinking their owner is nearby, unlocking the doors and in some cases, starting the engine for the hacker, all while the actual proximity key fob is supposedly safe and secure in the owner’s pocket, purse or home. Though this method has been known for at least several years, this most recent publication noted that the technology is much cheaper to build, and the number of cars vulnerable to this hack has grown significantly.

What this means for you:

If you are the proud owner of one of these cars, you may want to consider keeping your key fob in the freezer:

  • Audi A3, A4 and A6
  • BMW’s 730d
  • Citroen’s DS4 CrossBack
  • Ford’s Galaxy and Eco-Sport
  • Honda’s HR-V
  • Hyundai’s Santa Fe CRDi
  • KIA’s Optima
  • Lexus’s RX 450h
  • Mazda’s CX-5
  • MINI’s Clubman
  • Mitsubishi’s Outlander
  • Nissan’s Qashqai and Leaf
  • Opel’s Ampera
  • Range Rover’s Evoque
  • Renault’s Traffic
  • Ssangyong’s Tivoli XDi
  • Subaru’s Levorg
  • Toyota’s RAV4
  • Volkswagen’s Golf GTD and Touran 5T

At the moment, this is the list of confirmed vulnerable models. The researchers allege that many other makes and models that use similar technology could very likely be vulnerable to this exploit as well. If your car unlocks automatically based upon your proximity to the car, then it may be possible to exploit this convenient bit of technology. And there is even anecdotal evidence to support that this hack is already being used “in the wild” to burgle cars. Basically, would-be thieves work with a pair of devices – one near your car, and the other near your key fob. The devices work in tandem to amplify the signal put out by the key fob to trick the car into thinking the fob is in unlock range, and happily opens up for the thief. In the above mentioned case, the unlucky victim ended up storing his fob in the freezer to protect against this hack, but I’m sure most of you keep your keys right near the front door – easily within range of someone with this device. Perhaps it’s time to start storing the keys next to the milk? Call us if you have any concerns – we’re not car experts but we can always help you become more secure.

Image courtesy of Miles Stuart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • Tweet
Tagged under: car, hack, key fob, proximity, security, wireless

What you can read next

heartbleed.png
Widespread Encryption Weakness Discovered After 2 Years
anker-battery.jpg
Tech Stocking Stuffers
Dunce Cap
Dunce of the Year Award

1 Comment to “ Proximity fob hack used by car thieves”

  1. We are Our Own Worst Enemy – Get Tech Support Now – (818) 584-6021 – C2 Technology Partners, Inc. says :Reply
    October 23, 2018 at 9:53 pm

    […] recent victim who captured his Tesla being stolen via an already well-known fob spoofing technique, something I wrote about over two years ago. The unsettling video is only made slightly less so when the car thieves struggle with […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Apple-logo.png

    New Malware hits 30k Macs

    Not even three months into Apple’s releas...
  • Biohazard warning

    Poor IT practices led to Florida utility hack

    Last week the sleepy Florida town of Oldsmar ma...
  • Facebook – Too little, too late?

    When working with people who are actively attem...
  • Things you should know as a WFH Pro

    While the past year has been no picnic for anyo...
  • Who Protects the Protectors?

    If you’ve used a computer – Windows...

Archives

  • GET SOCIAL
Get Tech Support Now - (818) 584-6021 - C2 Technology Partners, Inc.

© 2016 All rights reserved.

TOP