3rd Gen Wireless Key Fob Hacking

I got an email from my neighborhood watch this morning saying that a brand new Audi Q7 was stolen nearby. Apparently the robbers hacked the wireless key fob and were able to easily get in and drive away.

Since my truck sleeps outside and my tailgate was stolen not to long ago, yea I'm bit worried.

Here is why you should worry.

This article explains the process the robber are using.

http://www.techlicious.com/blog/toyota-prius-smart-key-hacking-remote-keyless-entry-thief/

So for us wireless key owners, now we have to shield our keys from getting hacked.

I seen some Faraday bags and boxes out on the internet, but I'm curious if anyone here can recommend a solution to this serious problem.

 

And this is the reason I so didn't want a smart key! yikes, that's not cool.

 

Shield them is your only option. I've seen this come up before online and I've read that
some "think" computer hardware bags, the anti static type will work the same as a
Faraday bag, they do not.

 

Love my key...

 

Just ordered this:

http://www.select-fabricators.com/rf-emi-shielding/rf-emi-test-shielding/rf-emi-shielding-pouches/
RFSP-PDA- X2
6.25” Width x 7.625” Length
Double Rollover Closure
Multiple Cell Phones, PDAs, Passports, GPS Navigation Units

$50.00

I have (4) smart keys, I plan to store them all in the pouch overnight.

 

That goes on your head not around keys.

 

where the hell do you live? Detroit? Never heard of anyone stealing a tailgate lol

Why not install a battery disconnect type thing hidden somewhere in the cab or engine bay?
Realistically not many will know what and where to look.

 

Yeah, this has been happening since the early 90's, so hold on to the panic.

 

This is for keys that unlock and allow you to start the car without actually pushing a button. This won't work on just any key fob. It's for the so-called smart keys that unlock doors and let you push a button in the dash to start when you walk up to the car. It also won't work on a vehicle that requires the key to actually be in the ignition to start. But don't start feeling all safe, our older junk can be hacked and stolen but this particular method doesn't work.

 

If someone stole my truck I would beat so much ass

 

I can't take this article seriously when their recommendation is to store your key fob in the freezer. I understand the principles of a faraday cage, but introducing freezing temperatures and moisture to a battery powered electronic device that controls your vehicle doesn't sound like a smart idea.

 

Actually batteries will last longer stored in frozen temps. Heat is a killer for most electrical sinks.

 

It's pretty hard to hack a 80 bit encryption on the transponder of the key to start the vehicle. It took ADS two years to crack it running a computer 24/7 just so we can use a module on remote starts.

Infact they just finally got all the Volkswagen transponder stuff after years of research. It's one thing to crack keyless entry fm codes but 80 bit encryption is a whole another story. Any thief capable of doing this isn't coming around to steal a Toyota, that I can almost guarantee

 

Good call. I tend to avoid any drastic changes in environment that differ from the normal operating conditions for fear of the unknown...mostly aliens, gremlins, and the devil. Tin foil hat - engage

 

I live in L.A., and there is a gang of thieves stealing tailgates. I live in a decent neighborhood too, so they know where to target. Tailgate theft is nothing new, its been going on for years, look it up.

Regular battery disconnect on these modern electronics is not a good thing.

 

A refrigerator is what the police also suggested to my neighbor. It works, but not a long term solution.

 

Didn't think people still did shit like that but hmm.
If you're that worried I'd say look into the push button itself?
Find the wiring install some sort of lockable switch into the line in series with it so that you actually need to use a key again. you'll be losing your push to start without a key feature but hey if you're that worried about someone taking it.

Otherwise not sure what you could do. Even if it wasn't a keyed switch you can hide the switch somewhere if you're that worried.
Steering wheel/brake lock?