In recent years, the safety and security of car ownership have been improved significantly. However, as cars become more secure and difficult to steal, criminals have become increasingly creative in their search for new ways to gain access to vehicles without a key. One new form of car theft, in particular, can be executed in under two minutes.
This type of keyless car theft involves technology known as Relay Attack on Passive Entry and Start System (RAPES). This technology works by amplifying the signal, or ‘amplification attack’. Criminals are able to steal the signal emitted by a car key’s radio frequency identifier (RFID), allowing them to unlock and start the car without ever having to physically possess the key. This can be done by placing two signal amplifiers near a car and its key, thus allowing the car to be ‘seen’ by the criminal even though it is on the other side of the wall. With the right equipment, the car can be unlocked and started in a matter of seconds.
The crime is not just limited to unlocking the car, as criminals are using the same techniques to unlock the vehicle’s trunk and start the engine. Often, the car is then driven away in under two minutes.
To make matters worse, this type of keyless car theft is difficult to detect and trace, due to the use of RFIDs. RFIDs are inherently hard to track and the criminals use ‘spoofing’ methods, making it difficult for law enforcement and car owners to determine who is responsible for the theft.
The increasing prevalence of this type of keyless car theft is concerning for car owners. However, there are some precautions that drivers can take to protect their vehicles, such as using an RFID blocking wallet for their car keys, parking in well-lit, attended areas, and using an immobiliser or alarm. By taking these simple steps, car owners can prevent becoming a victim of keyless car theft.
