Car theft has evolved with the advancements in technology. Thieves now employ sophisticated gadgets to unlock cars and steal valuables or even the vehicles themselves. Here, we unravel five such tools that are commonly used.
1) The Mysterious Power of the Relay Attack Device
A relay attack device empowers thieves to unlock cars without access to the car keys. This device works by intercepting and amplifying the signal between a keyless entry fob and a vehicle. Once the signal is picked up, it’s transmitted to a second device near the car, tricking the car into thinking the key fob is nearby, and thus allowing the thief to unlock the car and drive away.
This technique is fast gaining popularity among criminals due to its effectiveness. Car owners are advised to store their key fobs in Faraday bags to block these signals and keep their vehicles safe.
2) The Code Grabber: A Hacker’s Dream
Code grabbers are another nightmare for car owners. They work by capturing and duplicating the radio signals sent by a car’s remote key. The code grabber then replays the captured signal to unlock the car. This device can be a powerful tool in the hands of tech-savvy thieves who understand how to exploit the vulnerabilities of car security systems.
Most modern cars have rolling codes as a countermeasure to this. However, code grabbers can still pose a threat to older vehicles that use fixed codes.
3) The Jamming Device: Remote Controlled Chaos
A jamming device can cause chaos by blocking the signals from a remote key fob, preventing it from locking the car doors. The thief can then easily gain access to the car once the owner leaves, thinking their vehicle is secure. Car owners are advised to manually check if their cars are locked before walking away.
Jamming devices are relatively cheap and easy to use, making them a popular choice among car thieves.
4) The Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Generator: A Technological Nightmare
An EMP generator is another high-tech device that can cause severe damage to a car’s electronic systems. It can disable alarms, unlock doors, and even interfere with the engine’s operation. However, its use is not widespread due to its complexity and the potential for causing significant collateral damage.
Although not commonly used for petty theft, it’s a tool that could be employed in more sophisticated, organized vehicle theft rings. The destructive power of an EMP generator should not be underestimated.
5) The Keyless Entry System Hacker: Invisible Intrusion
Last on the list is the keyless entry system hacker. This tool can infiltrate a car’s keyless entry system and manipulate it to unlock the doors. The hacking tool can be complex and requires a certain level of technical knowledge to operate.
While there are countermeasures in place, like encrypted signals, these hacking tools continue to evolve, keeping pace with advancements in car security technology. Keyless entry system hacking is a stark reminder that no security system is entirely foolproof.