Suspected criminals use new technology to steal Kias without breaking a window

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - There’s a new technology on the market that makes it easier for suspected thieves to steal Kia vehicles.

It’s a tiny handheld device that can steal the signal when you use your key fob to unlock your car, allowing the suspected thieves to unlock your car later.

It only takes a few seconds to work.

The people most at risk are Kia owners and people with some cars made before 2009.

Cybersecurity expert Paul Sems with Trustedsec knew exactly what the device was. He even had one.

“It’s a scary time that we live in,” Sems said.

Sems said the devices hit the market about four years ago.

“It’s not too surprising that they’re already using them for these types of reasons,” Sems said. “When they came out these devices were actually banned by certain countries, and they were like, ‘Hey we’re gonna have import restrictions and not allow them,’ but the reality is if someone really wants to make one of these they can make these with quote-unquote off the shelf parts.”

The devices however are legal in the United States.

“It’s the same thing with like a lockpicking kit. If you’re a locksmith, you’re allowed to buy locksmithing tools,” Sems said. “If you’re a private citizen you’re allowed to buy locksmithing tools. As soon as you use that device in the execution of a crime it now becomes a criminal tool.”

For someone to steal your signal they have to be within about 30 feet of you when you unlock your car with your key fob.

“It’s literally an FM radio signal or an AM radio signal,” Sems said. “It’s just at a specific frequency and there’s known frequencies remotes work at. So, it’s kind of like pressing an old school tape recorder, listening to whatever was just recorded, rewinding the tape and hitting play.”

Sems said if your key fob is acting up it could be a sign that someone is trying to steal your signal.

“The automakers need to do more to provide higher levels of encryption,” Sems said. “Spend a few more dollars to make sure that they have a better encryption system. There’s known vulnerabilities to them, and people are taking advantage of them.”

There’s not much car owners can do to prevent these sorts of thefts besides being aware of their surroundings when unlocking their cars.

Copyright 2024 WOIO via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.