A pair of thieves have stolen a Tesla Model S by hacking the key fob on the car, and this was all caught on video by the car’s owner Anthony Kennedy. He has posted the video of the theft on YouTube to bring attention to the issue.
In the video below, one of the thieves can be seen going close to the front door of the house with a tablet to steal the information from the car’s key fob. This information is then used to unlock and start the vehicle.
How the Theft Occurred
The tablet is used to capture the passive signal from the car’s key fob, which is located inside the house. This type of theft is known as a relay attack. In a relay attack, one thief stands near the house to capture the key fob signal, while another stands near the car to relay the signal to the vehicle. This allows the thieves to unlock and start the car without ever having the physical key fob in their possession.
Tesla has apparently recently introduced measures to stop this sort of thing from happening. The owner of the vehicle had not activated these features, as he said that the PIN to drive feature was not on. The PIN to drive feature requires the driver to enter a PIN code before the car can be driven, adding an extra layer of security.
Preventive Measures for Tesla Owners
If you own a Tesla Model S, it is recommended that you use these features to stop this sort of thing from happening. Here are some steps you can take to protect your vehicle:
1. Activate the PIN to Drive Feature: This feature requires a PIN code to be entered before the car can be driven, making it much harder for thieves to steal your vehicle even if they manage to unlock it.
2. Use a Faraday Cage or Pouch: Store your key fob in a Faraday cage or pouch when not in use. These devices block the key fob’s signal, preventing thieves from capturing it.
3. Enable Passive Entry Disable: This feature disables the passive entry system, requiring you to press a button on the key fob to unlock the car. This can prevent relay attacks.
4. Regular Software Updates: Ensure your Tesla’s software is up to date. Tesla frequently releases updates that include security enhancements.
Let’s hope that these two thieves are caught and the owner’s Model S is returned to him. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of utilizing all available security features to protect your vehicle.
In addition to these measures, it’s also a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Vehicle theft is a serious issue, and taking proactive steps can help prevent it.
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