Keyless entry is now amongst a convenience in modern cars which is close to – if not already – being taken for granted. That convenience comes at a considerable price, however, and judging by findings in a report by Thatcham Research, one that means the loss of entire vehicles.
The report covered 11 models, of which four were rated ‘Superior’ and six were rated ‘Poor’; the one remaining, the Suzuki Jimny, was classified as ‘Unacceptable’, despite not coming equipped with a keyless entry or start system. The top-rated quartet were the Audi e-tron, Jaguar XE, Land Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz B-Class, while the ‘Poor’-rated six were the Ford Mondeo, Hyundai Nexo, Kia ProCeed, Lexus UX, Porsche Macan and Toyota Corolla.
“This initiative focuses on addressing keyless entry/start vulnerability. We’ve seen too many examples of cars being stolen in seconds from driveways. Now, any vehicle that is assessed against the new Thatcham Research Security Rating, and has a vulnerable keyless entry/start system, will automatically not achieve the best rating,” said Thatcham Research CTO Richard Billyeald.
Even though vehicle security technology has advanced over the years, these ‘count for nothing’ when they can be circumvented easily by criminals with digital devices, Billyeald said, adding that most of the cars rated ‘Poor’ here would have achieved at least a ‘Good’ rating if not for keyless entry and start systems being susceptible to the relay attacks used.
Billyeald offered some insights. “Our guidance for worried drivers is first and foremost to understand if your vehicle has a keyless entry/start system or not, as it is often an optional extra. If it does, check whether there are solutions available with your key fob – can it be turned off overnight or does it go to sleep when not being used?”
Recommendations also include the storing of all keys, including spares, away from household entry points to further hamper criminals’ ability to capture and relay signals to and from the key fob. “And finally, it may in some cases be possible to turn the system off entirely, so it’s worth checking with your dealer.”
Vehicle insurers in the United Kingdom paid out a record £376 million (RM2 billion) for car theft last year, which was partly due to some cars’ vulnerability to keyless system relay theft, according to the Association of British Insurers.
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Easy fix, wrap your key fob in tin foil. Signal cannot be picked up that way
The question though, is it easier to steal a keyless entry car than a car with a normal remote unlock system?
Go and get your key fob holder or sleeve that also act like a faraday cage. Easily defeat thieves from scanning your key fob.
Keyless entry is dumb invention. Car companies just follow the bandwagon
For the safest method look at 90’s MR.Bean. Either using a padlock, or take along the steering wheel with you.
Just remember to put the key fob in strepsils metal can when go to sleep
Too much of technology can backfire. Just like Proton X70 voice system…..half the time does not work!
What kind of rating is this for new cars? They considered keyless entry for new cars and Suzuki Jimny has traditional way. Then they rated as unacceptable. Stupidity.
the new Suzuki Jimny has keyless..
One word ; encryption.
Over the decades, cars have become more and more computerised. It used to be just the ECU. Then the TCU for automatics. Then the immobiliser key. Then we got electronic fuel injection, ABS and airbags. Now we have touchscreen head units, ESC, EPS and of course, advanced BCMs which are necessary for keyless entry. In the future, we will have autonomous, connected, AI-enabled cars.
As cars become more computerised, car companies must learn the ways of computer companies as well. Cyber-security is just one part of it.
Cars have ABS and airbags. Computers have antivirus and firewalls. Both are designed to protect you, the consumers.
I still use a steering wheel- lock with my car’s keylesss entry. A very visual cue to deter would-be thieves who prefers quick unimpeded access