With the continuous evolution of car key technology, many vehicles now use smart remote keys. Unfortunately, high-tech car thieves are taking advantage of advanced technology vulnerabilities, easily stealing cars in less than 30 seconds.
New York City Police Department issued a warning on August 7 on X platform, stating that car thieves are using electronic signal amplification technology to deceive vehicle systems. This technology, known as Signal Amplification Relay Attack (SARA), involves amplifying the electronic signal of smart keys to trick the vehicle system into unlocking and starting the car.
According to Long Island 12 Radio, thieves use this technology by holding an antenna device outside homes to connect to the key left inside, transmitting signals to unlock and start the vehicle. In November 2023, five cars were rapidly stolen in Nassau County within two days. Car thieves have started using this technique to steal cars in various regions across the United States and New York State. In July of this year, thieves stole six cars overnight from a community in San Jose, California.
To prevent car theft in advance, the New York City Police Department advises car owners to take two measures: (1) lock the steering wheel and (2) store smart remote keys in electronic signal-blocking bags or metal boxes. Additionally, installing outdoor cameras and keeping vehicles locked in garages can also be effective preventive measures.
According to law enforcement officers referencing the website Police1, the principle behind signal amplification relay attacks involves using two signal devices. At least two thieves work together, with one person near the car and another maintaining a distance of within 1,000 feet (about 305 meters) from the targeted vehicle owner.
Once the device near the vehicle is activated, it amplifies and transmits the vehicle’s signal to the second device, which then sends the signal to the smart remote key. Upon receiving the signal, the smart key responds, and the response signal is sent back to the first device, unlocking the car door. Once inside the car, thieves can start the keyless ignition system and drive the vehicle away.
Presently, other high-tech car theft methods include intercepting car key signals, signal jamming, and using tablets to capture Tesla key signals to open car doors. The related electronic equipment can be purchased online at low prices ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, making it difficult for car owners to defend against such attacks.
By using high-tech theft methods, criminals can quickly steal victims’ cars in less than two minutes without making any noise, with keyless luxury cars being more vulnerable targets. Reports on Reddit indicate car thieves using the same technique to steal Rolls-Royce cars, easily making off with the vehicles in less than 30 seconds.
Daniel Armbruster, the Public Relations Manager at the American Automobile Association (AAA), advised in an interview with CBS not to leave car keys in easily accessible places at home, as it makes it easier for thieves to commit theft.