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Do keyless ignition cars have a higher potential of getting stolen? [+video]

Ford Focus - 85

Keyless ignitions are one of the most convenient features found in modern-day vehicles because you no longer have to use a physical ‘key’ to start the car. However it can also bring a greater theft risk and the worst part is that there are devices that could defeat this system and are sold online.

Keyed-ignition vehicles are also vulnerable to theft but provide a deterrent that is enough to keep many professional thieves away. While traditional keyed ignition systems work by inserting a physical key to start the car, modern vehicles with keyed ignition systems provide another layer of security by utilizing immobilizer systems that look for a unique (Radio-frequency identification) RFID chip before allowing a vehicle to be started. Keyless-ignition vehicles work in a similar manner, but instead allow the vehicle to be started by pressing a button on the dash. Many of the keyless systems use the same type of RFID chips to authenticate the key and allow the vehicle to be started.

2016 Honda CR-Z (61)

These RFID chips can be defeated by devices that plug into the onboard diagnostic (OBD) port and reprogram the immobilizer module. Keyed ignition systems are safer in these cases, as they provide an additional layer of security when these modules are reprogrammed. In most cases, the procedure to reprogram the module requires the physical key to be present and turned multiple times during the programming sequence. This will deter many thieves, as they would be required to bring an exact copy of the key or a new ignition cylinder with them and tear up the dashboard of the car to install it, which could take a significant amount of time, which is not convenient especially if you’re stealing a car. 

Keyless ignition system on the other hand, require very little to be defeated. In most cases, all the thieves need is a reprogramming device and a blank key fob or RFID chip. The above video shows one such device, made by a Chinese company and available online for $700, being used to reprogram a Range Rover Sport.

In summary, the person enters the vehicle without a valid keyfob, which sets off the alarm, and quickly plugs in the reprogramming device. The device then enters the programming mode and shuts off the alarm in about 25 seconds. After that point, the programming lasts about a minute and a half and allows the vehicle to be started with the new fob. The whole procedure, from walking up to the car to being able to drive it off, is a no brainer and it takes less than 2 minutes to complete.

This modern-day theft is becoming an epidemic around the globe especially in Europe where thousands of the high-end SUVs like Ranger Rovers and BMWs were stolen without their keys in 2014.

So how do you keep your car safe from these sophisticated thieves?

One way to keep your vehicle safe is by obtaining an OBD lock that can be placed over the diagnostic port to prevent access to programming devices. These locks are usually made from aluminum or steel and is similar to using wheel locks. They would be a deterrent for thieves as they would require them to break the lock or cut the wires and re-pin a blank port, which would require them extra time to steal the vehicle. While it might not be a complete solution, a lockable port cover is at least a step toward solving this problem.

From: Autoblog Open Road