In recent news, there have been reports of suspected criminals utilizing advanced technology to steal Kia vehicles without resorting to breaking a window. The new modus operandi involves the use of a handheld device capable of intercepting the signal emitted when a car owner utilizes their key fob to unlock the vehicle, thereby enabling the thief to subsequently unlock the car.
Cybersecurity expert Paul Sems from Trustedsec has revealed that these devices have been available on the market for approximately four years. While certain countries had previously prohibited these tools, they are legally accessible in the United States. Sems draws a comparison between the utilization of these devices and a locksmith purchasing lockpicking tools – legally permissible until they are used for criminal activities.
The effectiveness of these devices is limited to a 30-foot range from the car owner unlocking their vehicle, as they capture the FM or AM radio signal being emitted by the key fob. Sems has cautioned that a malfunctioning key fob could signal an attempt to steal the signal. Additionally, he has underscored the necessity for car manufacturers to augment the encryption in key fobs to prevent such thefts, as there are identified vulnerabilities that criminals are exploiting.
Regrettably, there are minimal measures that car owners can undertake to protect against these technologically advanced thefts, apart from exercising vigilance in their surroundings when unlocking their cars.
The emergence of this sophisticated method of car theft is a disconcerting issue that necessitates attention from both law enforcement and car manufacturers to forestall additional incidents of vehicle theft through this technology.