Keyless Entry Warning!
05-03-2015, 05:37 AM
#1
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
Keyless Entry Warning!
Car Keyless Entries Can Be Convenient For Owners & Thieves « CBS Miami
The CBS network station in Miami has a very interesting and somewhat disturbing story about a way that keyless entry systems, including Audi, are being defeated.
Apparently one of the methods uses a "power extender", basically a wireless range extender, which can read your key fob from a distance and then re-broadcast the fob's code to your car, making the car think you are standing there, so it will unlock and start up.
This is apparently a fairly affordable and well-known hacking tool for wireless security systems, so if your car is parked down the block or in front of your house, and your keys are safely on the dresser? Not safe anymore.
The CBS team mention putting your keys in the freezer, which is a poor man's version of a Faraday Cage, because that will block all signals to and from the fob. An Altoids tin or other all-metal container will do just as well, fwiw.
The CBS team also shows some ignorance of car theft by suggesting you use a Club on the steering wheel, and then showing it being used the way most people use them, backwards. If the lock cylinder faces the driver, which seems like the right way to do it? Crooks also have easy access to the cylinder and there are several very easy ways to defeat it. All well known for 30-odd years now, so don't bother.
If these things get around, as they apparently will, an Altoids tin or secondary security system are going to become necessary. The keyless entry fobs will be worthless--even if you're just in a restaurant and the car is locked out in the lot.
Ooops?
The CBS network station in Miami has a very interesting and somewhat disturbing story about a way that keyless entry systems, including Audi, are being defeated.
Apparently one of the methods uses a "power extender", basically a wireless range extender, which can read your key fob from a distance and then re-broadcast the fob's code to your car, making the car think you are standing there, so it will unlock and start up.
This is apparently a fairly affordable and well-known hacking tool for wireless security systems, so if your car is parked down the block or in front of your house, and your keys are safely on the dresser? Not safe anymore.
The CBS team mention putting your keys in the freezer, which is a poor man's version of a Faraday Cage, because that will block all signals to and from the fob. An Altoids tin or other all-metal container will do just as well, fwiw.
The CBS team also shows some ignorance of car theft by suggesting you use a Club on the steering wheel, and then showing it being used the way most people use them, backwards. If the lock cylinder faces the driver, which seems like the right way to do it? Crooks also have easy access to the cylinder and there are several very easy ways to defeat it. All well known for 30-odd years now, so don't bother.
If these things get around, as they apparently will, an Altoids tin or secondary security system are going to become necessary. The keyless entry fobs will be worthless--even if you're just in a restaurant and the car is locked out in the lot.
Ooops?
05-03-2015, 04:07 PM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
Already happened to at least one Audi in SF Bay Area
See: High-tech thief caught on video stealing $15,000 bike from athlete's car in Sausalito | abc7news.com
Or, a more text oriented story on same incident: Marin car thief 'hacks' into Audi, steals $15,000 bicycle - San Jose Mercury News
Or, a more text oriented story on same incident: Marin car thief 'hacks' into Audi, steals $15,000 bicycle - San Jose Mercury News
05-04-2015, 07:50 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
I suppose the sad fix to this is to find the fuse for the fob sensors, and simply cut power to the outer sensors, leaving only the interior one for the keyless start. No keyless entry will prevent them from getting in quietly. Or perhaps cutting power to all of them, and using the gaping maw in the dash.
I don't recall that being a listed fuse...anyone?
I don't recall that being a listed fuse...anyone?
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