Staying safe in a connected world

In the past, car thieves were often stereotyped as rough, low-tech criminals armed with little more than a crowbar and a lock pick. But today's car thieves are getting smarter, savvier, and significantly more sophisticated, using advanced technology to outwit even the most impressive vehicle defences. Gone are the days when thieves would simply smash a window and grab whatever they could see. Now, they’re leveraging techniques that wouldn’t be out of place in a spy movie, turning car theft into a high-tech, professional, operation.

One of the most striking examples of this technological evolution is the use of Bluetooth scanners. These devices, which can be as simple as a smartphone app, allow thieves to detect the presence of Bluetooth-enabled electronics inside locked vehicles. Bluetooth, the technology that connects our smartphones to our car stereos, wireless headphones, and smartwatches, is a convenient tool for everyday life. However, it also broadcasts signals that can be intercepted by anyone with the right equipment.

Bluetooth-enabled devices continuously emit signals to search for connections with other devices. These signals are usually harmless and go unnoticed, but to a thief with a Bluetooth scanner, they’re like breadcrumbs leading to a treasure trove. As a thief roams through a car park, their scanner picks up these signals, showing them exactly which vehicles contain valuable electronics. This allows them to target specific cars, knowing in advance that breaking in will be worth the risk.

Tech-savvy criminals

This method is just example of how car thieves have embraced technology to enhance their craft. Beyond Bluetooth scanners, many thieves now use devices that can intercept and clone the signals from keyless entry systems. With these “relay attacks,” a thief can capture the signal from a car owner’s key fob – even if it’s inside their home – and use it to unlock the car and start the engine without ever needing the physical key. It’s a startlingly simple process that can be executed in minutes, leaving car owners unaware their vehicle has been compromised until it’s too late.

Thieves are also exploiting weaknesses in vehicle security systems through hacking. Many modern cars are essentially computers on wheels, packed with complex software and digital interfaces. While these systems offer convenience and enhanced safety features, they also present new vulnerabilities. Skilled hackers can exploit software glitches or outdated security protocols to disable alarms, unlock doors, or even start the engine. In some cases, all it takes is a laptop and some technical know-how to bypass a vehicle’s security entirely.

The rise of GPS jammers is another concerning trend. Many car owners rely on GPS tracking systems to recover their vehicles in the event of theft. But now, thieves can purchase GPS jammers online – small devices that disrupt the signal from the GPS tracker to the satellite, rendering the tracking system useless. This allows the thief to steal the car and drive it to a chop shop or a shipping container without fear of being tracked.

What’s particularly alarming about these technological advancements is how accessible they’ve become. In the past, car theft required a certain level of brute force and risk. Today, much of the technology that makes these high-tech crimes possible is readily available online. A quick search can turn up tutorials on how to use Bluetooth scanners, purchase GPS jammers, or conduct relay attacks. This democratisation of criminal tools means that even petty thieves can now engage in sophisticated car theft with minimal investment or expertise.

For the automotive sector this new reality presents a daunting challenge. Traditional security measures like steering wheel locks, alarm systems, and even garage parking can only go so far in protecting against these advanced threats. As thieves become more adept at using technology, vehicle owners must also adapt, staying informed about the latest threats and taking proactive steps to safeguard their vehicles.

Tactical defence

It’s essential to be aware of the ways in which thieves are using technology to target vehicles. Understanding that a vehicle’s Bluetooth signal can be used against it is the first step. Whenever possible, turn off Bluetooth-enabled devices or store them in signal-blocking pouches (Faraday bags) to prevent their signals from being detected. Consider investing in advanced security systems that can detect and alert you to potential relay attacks or hacking attempts.

Additionally, vehicle manufacturers are beginning to respond to these new threats by improving the security of keyless entry systems, updating software to patch vulnerabilities, and developing more robust tracking systems that are resistant to jamming. However, these advancements take time to roll out, and in the meantime, everyone needs to be vigilant.

The battle between car thieves and the industry is becoming increasingly high-tech, with each side constantly trying to outsmart the other. While thieves are getting smarter, there are still ways to stay ahead. The simplest is to stay informed, taking advantage of the latest security tools, and adopting a mindset that recognises the importance of technological vigilance. In a world where a thief’s toolkit now includes laptops and scanners, the key to safeguarding vehicles is to think like a tech-savvy thief and stay one step ahead.