Do you have any keyless? Your car could be vulnerable to theft

There are more and more cars equipped with keyless technology, which has been generalising and equipping more accessible models. More robust security has also appeared, but not everyone is free from vulnerabilities.

Very briefly, “keyless” means “no key”. In other words, it is not necessary to place the key, command or card in a lock to open – just having the object in proximity or inside the vehicle. And by pushing him away, the car locks automatically.

There is also no traditional key slot ignition cannon: the engine normally starts by pressing a start/stop button. The operation of this technology depends on radio waves and unique codes.

Needless to say, for this very reason, these types of systems may be more vulnerable to silent robberies than those who have traditional keys: with suitable equipment, being close to the key, a thief can amplify the signal to unlock and get the vehicle moving – according to ADAC, one of the largest motor clubs in Europe

Over the last decade, you have tested 850 cars with keyless technology. It concludes that 70 percent of them are better protected from theftbut there are still many vulnerable to attacks.

The use of chips with wide ultraband (UWB), thanks to digital radio technology, in the systems allowed to make security more robust in several models. Thus, they cannot be opened illegally – not even with the signal extender, as the ADAC tested. However, he sees that, based on his tests, “there are too many vehicles that can still be easily opened and carried“.

The motor club found no protection against assaults taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of a keyless system on several brands – from the Stellantis group (such as Alfa Romeo, DS, Fiat or Opel) to Tesla, passing by Chinese BYD, Alpine or Honda. Among others. On the opposite side, safety improvements have been recorded in manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover or the Volkswagen Group (with brands such as Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen).

One of the security measures implemented by some manufacturers is a motion sensor, which allows you to disable the radio signal after a certain time without moving the key. However, ADAC warns that, in this way, it is still possible to intercept the signal while it is active, not being the most robust of measures.

How to protect yourself?

If you have doubts about the degree of protection of your vehicle, there are measures you can take to reduce the risk – such as parking in a closed garage or not leaving the keys near the external doors or windows. On the other hand, there are vehicles that allow you to disable keyless technology.

ADAC also suggests wrapping the key in aluminium foil or putting it inside a metal can, armored box or pan – if radio waves are effectively blocked.