In April, a pair of criminals managed to steal a Mitsubishi ASX without having to break down the doors or approach the owner. The vehicle was parked in Jardim Munhoz, in the city of Guarulhos, Greater São Paulo. The robbers managed to clone the car’s signal using a technique called relay attack, which intercepts the signal between two communicating devices.
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How the Crime Works
The scheme works on cars of different brands that adopt the keyless system to unlock the vehicle and start the engine. All you have to do is press a button to start the car, without having to insert the key in the ignition. To carry out the attack, two accomplices intercept the signal from the proximity key. Car manufacturers interviewed for the report explained that the criminals also need to use a module to access the car’s diagnostic system (OBD). The ignition is activated by a different radio frequency, through a chip called a transponder.
Criminals Arrested
In the reported case, the military police of São Paulo arrested an unidentified 29-year-old man about an hour after the theft, after receiving notification from the insurance company, according to a statement issued by the Public Security Department of São Paulo.
Another Crime in Paraná
Also in April, a Toyota Hilux pickup truck was stolen in the center of Londrina, in the north of Paraná, and found without signs of forced entry in the neighboring city of Arapongas. The case was confirmed by the Public Security Department of Paraná.
Widespread Attacks
Relay attacks have spread throughout the country, which indicates the willingness of criminals to adapt technologically, according to Dalton Valadares, a professor at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), who researches the technique. This mechanism works to bypass any means of access that uses devices that work by presence.
History
There have been cars that have adopted the keyless system in Brazil since the beginning of the last decade when the first reports of relay attacks were made worldwide. The item, which was previously a luxury addition, has become popular and is even available in more affordable models like the Polo.
Analysis:
The increase in relay attacks in Brazil, such as those reported in São Paulo and Paraná, is a growing concern for public security, especially in large urban centers. This technique, which allows the cloning of proximity key signals without the need to force entry into the vehicle, highlights the advancement of crime in technological terms. It is important to note that, as automotive technology evolves, criminals are also adapting to exploit vulnerabilities in new systems.
The popularization of cars with keyless systems, which were previously a feature restricted to luxury vehicles, has expanded the scope of action for criminals, who can now target more affordable models. The use of advanced technology by criminals requires an equally technological response from security forces and car manufacturers, such as the development of signal jamming methods, more robust remote monitoring systems, and public awareness of the risks involved.
Sources: A Folha de SP.
