Keyless car technology a gift for hackers, warns Tracker of the UK

Despite attempts to quash new research by scientists that exposes a major security flaw found in car key fobs, nearly 140 different popular makes and models of vehicles driven by UK motorists have now been confirmed as being at risk.

Stolen vehicle recovery expert, Tracker (part of the Tantalum Corporation), has been a longstanding campaigner against weak electronic ignition systems. The vehicle tracking telematics expert has revealed in a survey that 70% of people would reconsider purchasing a keyless car in the wake of growing concern over fears to vehicle security.

“The release of this research is extremely worrying for car owners.  Although we all delight in technology that makes our own lives easier, it is a double edged sword, and in this case, car thieves have been quick to equip themselves with new technology that outwits the manufacturers,” explained Andy Barrs, Police Liaison Officer, Tracker. “Our research shows that motorists would prefer to  revert to traditional security methods, such as a steering wheel lock (30%) and a clutch pedal lock (22%) for added peace of mind. The emergence of connection protection devices, essentially a steel box which covers the OBD port to prevent diagnostics access, is also increasingly being recognised as a worthy security measure (25%).  However, stolen vehicle tracking devices have significantly become the number one consideration (40%),” he added.

“Whilst a tracking unit won’t stop your car from being stolen by thieves in the first instance, it does significantly increase the chances of your vehicle being located and returned to you; in most instances by up to 93%. It is for this reason that ours is the only SVR product used by all the UK’s police forces,” concluded Andy Barrs.

Tracker’s technology can locate stolen vehicles anywhere, even when they are hidden in a garage or shipping container. Further, the company’s stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there.

Tantalum's products also analyse real time data from over 270 data points within a vehicle, with patented algorithms. The company has established B2B relationships with fleets, insurers, auto manufacturers, Tier 1 customers and the UK police force.

Also read: Manufacturers have to improve security to prevent car hacking