How to Protect Your Car from Key-Cloning, Hacking, and Key Theft

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According to the DVLA, 7 cars are stolen every hour in the UK – that’s an average of 168 per day. This is twice as many vehicles stolen compared to a decade ago. From key-cloning, relay attacks, to hacking – here at Motor Guards, we want to help you make the best decision when it comes to keeping your car protected and safe. Plus, we can inform you on how prevention is more effective and cheaper than recovery. 

What Is Key-Cloning and Car Hacking?

Key-Cloning

This is the process of creating a perfect copy of your personal car key by cloning its electronic singal signature. Key-cloning can only happen on new cars that have keyless entry or remote locking. 

So, how do car thieves clone a key? Using a device that connects to the OBD2 port replicates the car’s existing key fob signals. Once the device is plugged into the port, it communicates with the ECU, tricking the car into thinking a new fob has been authorised. 

Relay Attacks

Relay theft and attacks occur when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the car key fob is close by, this is called signal boosting, allowing hackers to unlock the car and start the ignition. 

ECU Hacing & CAN Bus Attacks

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) hacking and CAN bus attacks involve exploiting the vulnerabilities of a car’s electronic systems, primarily through the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, to gain unauthorised control or access. This can range from intercepting and manipulating data to completely taking over vehicle functions. 

These types of keyless car thefts are increasingly becoming common in modern cars.

The Vulnerabilities of Keyless Entry Systems

According to insurance company, AVIVA; Keyless entry vehicles are twice as likely to be stolen, and some reports state that nearly 70% of vehicle recoveries in 2023 were linked to keyless theft. Sophisticated criminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in these systems using techniques like relay attacks to gain access and start the vehicle.

How to Protect Your Car – Practical Tips

Here are our top practical tips for car owners on how you can protect your car: 

  1. Keep your car keys away from doors and windows, or anywhere where they can easily be stolen. 
  2. Use a Faraday pouch or Faraday bag (a signal-blocking pouch).
  3. Turn off the keyless entry to your car if it’s possible.
  4. To deter thieves even further, install a visible steering wheel lock for deterrence purposes. 

Advanced Vehicle Protection Options

Here at Motor Guards, we have a wide selection of advanced vehicle security options that suit you. 

Immobilisers 

Our selection of immobilisers act as an anti-theft mechanism, making it much harder for thieves to steal vehicles. Immobilisers are an electronic security device that stops the engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is present, and recognised by the car’s system. 

When it comes to immobilisers, our first-choice would be Auto Watch Ghost or the Auto Ghost Immobiliser 2. The Autowatch Ghost 2 is an intelligent and effective piece of car security, compatible with most high-tech modern cars, including BMWs, Audis, Mercedes, Range Rovers, and Fords.

GPS Trackers

Our wide range of GPS Trackers are a great way to prevent potential thieves and car theft. Trackers are devices that utilise GPS technology to track a vehicle’s location, movement, and sometimes other data like speed and driving behavior. They offer benefits like enhanced security against theft. 
For GPS Trackers, our first option would be either the Scorpion Track or SmarTrack. Scorpion and SmarTrack Trackers are Thatcham S7 Approved, meaning that the trackers have been vigorously tested and can be relied upon.

Why Choose Motor Guards for Your Car Security?

There are many reasons why you should choose Motor Guards for your advanced vehicle security. Here are some of our main reasons: 

  • Motor Guards has over 20 years of vehicle security expertise. 
  • The only Midlands dealership authorised for every major security manufacturer. Including: ESA Trak Trackers, Pandora Car Alarms, Clifford Car Alarms to Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser system.
  • We are the only Platinum Approved Pandora Car Alarms dealer in the Midlands. 
  • Insurance-approved, Thatcham-rated solutions.
  • Mobile installation across the UK.
  • Partnerships with trusted brands like Meta, SmarTrack, and Autowatch.

Final Thoughts

Here at Motor Guards, we combine visible security measures and deterrents with smart technology. We want to make sure that all vehicle owners are proactive, not reactive. 

You can get a free security quote today or contact Motor Guards now!