Cars have been adapting to more advanced technologies, but so have thieves. With the recent implementation of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) in cars, alongside exposed ODB2 (On-Board Diagnostics 2) ports, thieves have been able to unlock and steal cars wirelessly in minutes.

RFID Theft

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, refers to technology that transfers and receives radio frequencies via electromagnetic fields. These frequencies contain information that computers can read to automatically perform tasks.

Thieves typically have two options when it comes to using RFID technology to steal your vehicle, which is cloning and amplifying.

  1. RFID cloning is a process where signals are intercepted, and their information copied to another device. Having access to a large market of cloning devices that anyone can buy for under $100, all thieves need to do is simply stay within the maximum distance between their cloning device and your key fob to clone it.
  2. RFID amplification is a process where thieves amplify signals to make the signal seem closer than it is. By connecting two amplification devices near the key fob and your car, thieves can amplify the key signal, making the car think that the key is much closer than it should be, giving them full access to your car.

Example of how thieves are amplifying RFID signals to steal a Mercedes in minutes.

Preventing RFID Theft

Knowing that RFID signals are sent over electromagnetic fields, you can easily block the transmission between RFID signals and your car by surrounding them in conductive material.

Your main options are:

  • Surround your RFID keys in Aluminum foil boxes or other conductive materials
  • Invest in an RFID-blocking wallet/box to store your keys
  • Ultimately moving away from RFID technology, as most cars offer a way to disable keyless entry, forcing you to use the unlock buttons on your remote.

ODB2 Port Hacking

ODB2, or On-Board Diagnostics 2, ports are ports used to access the vehicle’s computer, typically to run tests and diagnostics. Because of its direct connection with the vehicle’s computer, thieves can plug devices into it to hack the computer and take full control of your vehicle. Usually located under your dashboard, right below your steering wheel, these ports pose a large threat to your car if not secured properly, as they can be used to turn on the engine, letting thieves start and drive your vehicle in minutes.

Preventing ODB2 Port Hacking

To prevent thieves from exploiting your ODB2 ports, a few actions can be taken:

  • Investing in an ODB2 lock/blocker, physical devices that restrict unwanted access to ODB2 ports by simply covering the port and locking it, so that it can only be removed with a physical key.
  • Investing in a “dummy” ODB2 port, which are ports designed to do nothing or trigger a siren/alarm if plugged in. They’ll plug right into the original ODB2 port, but restrict any information or data being sent or received from the port effectively rendering it useless.

Conclusion

Modern criminals can steal your car in minutes, here’s how to prevent that.

Thieves can use several RFID theft tools to clone or amplify the signals from your RFID key fob to steal your car.

RFID theft can be prevented by:

  1. Surround your RFID keys in Aluminum foil boxes, or other electro-magnetic conductive material
    • Reduces the effectiveness of RFID signals making reaching the criminal’s RFID theft device harder
    • Can be made using household items
  1. Invest in an RFID-blocking wallet or box to store keys
    • Fully blocks RFID signals to prevent any device from reading RFID signals
    • Can be found online for relatively cheap
  1. Stop using RFID technology, as most cars that support RFID have a way to disable it.
    • Disables RFID technology as whole, effectively stopping RFID theft

Thieves can also hack your ODB2 port to gain full control over your vehicle.

ODB2 hacking can be prevented by:

  1. Investing in a “dummy” ODB2 port
    • Acts as a fake ODB2 port to block data from being transferred between the attacker and the car
    • Some dummy ODB2 ports sound an alarm if anything is plugged into it
  1. Using an ODB2 locking device
    • Prevents unauthorized physical access to ODB2 port with a key