The Burbank Police Department has issued a warning to residents about a surge in “key cloner” vehicle thefts. Thieves are using electronic devices to replicate key fob signals, allowing them to steal cars with keyless ignition systems. This method involves scanning for key fob signals and creating cloned keys, or plugging into a car’s system to program new fobs.
According to the police, criminals use devices about the size of a cell phone or tablet to scan for key fob signals and quickly create a cloned key. This technology, originally designed to make unlocking and starting vehicles more convenient, has inadvertently made cars more vulnerable to theft.
As reported by Mobokey, keyless entry systems emit a continuous signal, which thieves can exploit using relay attacks. They use portable equipment to pick up the signal from a fob inside a house or parking lot and relay it back to a transmitter that clones the signal.
To combat this, experts recommend using a Faraday bag or pouch to block the transmission of electromagnetic signals from key fobs. Additionally, car owners can use physical locks on steering wheels or gear shifts to deter thieves. Some cars allow owners to deactivate the wireless setting, requiring manual unlocking.
Burbank residents are urged to take these precautions to protect their vehicles from theft. Meanwhile, automakers are working to enhance the security of keyless systems to prevent such crimes in the future.
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