Communications of the ACM
Car Theft by Antenna
A researcher shows how an attacker could start a car using an antenna. A signal from the car is transmitted to a computerized key, which is tricked into enabling the engine ignition.
Credit: ETH Zurich
A method for breaking into and stealing cars that have keyless entry and starting systems has been found by ETH Zurich researchers led by professor Srdjan Capkun. The researchers studied 10 models from eight manufacturers and were able to gain entry to and drive all 10 cars by intercepting and relaying signals from the cars to their wireless keys. The researchers used antennas to transmit the signals normally issued by the cars to keys farther away than the standard few meters needed for detection. One of the antennas needs to be close to the car, and the other needs to be within eight meters of the key. In addition, the car will not open or start if the signal takes too long to arrive.
The researchers' method keeps the signals in analog format, reducing their delay from microseconds to nanoseconds, which makes the attack harder to detect. For protection, car owners can shield their keys when they are not using them and manufacturers can alter the systems to allow users to deactivate the signals, according to the researchers.
From Technology Review
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