Proximity fob hack used by car thieves

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