Hacking gadget that can break into top-of-the-range keyless cars in less than two minutes for sale on Amazon and eBay
German tests exposed that vehicles from thirty manufacturers could be unlocked and commenced using a plain hack
A DEVICE that can hack into keyless car fobs and unlock top-of-the-range vehicles in less than two minutes is openly available on sites including Amazon and eBay.
The car thief’s desire can by picked up for £257, sparking concern as spates of keyless car thefts are reported across the country.
Now it has been exposed that devices are readily available to break into the radio signals of keyless models, following tests by the Mail on Sunday.
The HackRF One device was used by the paper to intercept a radio signal from the key of a Range Rover Vogue SE and use it to unlock the vehicle within two minutes.
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Sun Online has determined not to expose any further details on how criminal gangs are using such devices to break into cars.
TheHackRF, produced by Good Scott Gadgets, is marketed for the development of radio technologies and carries a disclaimer that it’s the buyer’s responsibility to use it legally.
An eBay spokesman told The Mail: “The device is widely available and is advertised as having a broad range of uses. We have not been advised of any limitations on its sale.”
Amazon declined to comment.
The founder of Good Scott Gadgets Michael Ossmann advised car manufacturers to use such devices to test their own security.
Land Rover said it had a dedicated team working tirelessly to keep vehicle’s safe from criminal gangs, who are permanently developing fresh ways to hack systems.
Sun Online has also exposed the extreme lengths many car owners are going to in a bid to keep their cars safe.
A mum-of-seven whose keyless car was snatched from her driveway as her family slept said she now stashes her hi-tech fob in the microwave.
Tests by the ADAC – the German AA – were also able to trick the keyless sensor technology into thinking that the vehicle’s possessor is nearby with the fob.
BMW 740, Ford Concentrate RS, Toyota’s Prius and VW Golf seven GTD are among the car’s affected.
The only vehicle that the researchers failed to unlock was BMW’s i3.
But, they were able to commence the engine.
ADAC researchers said the the device used for the tests costs just £80, less than a third of the cost of the HackRF One.
Research centre Thatcham has suggested safety advice including turning fobs off if they have the capability or purchasing a metal lined sleeve to keep keys in.
The centre also recommended using tracking devices as a visible deterrent.
