Thieves Found a New Hack for Quickly Stealing Toyota SUVs
Attention drivers, don’t be a victim of vehicle theft. Thieves have discovered a new hack that allows them to quickly steal Toyota SUVs. Police officers recommend installing a steering wheel lock to enhance security.
Toyota SUVs are being hacked by thieves
You may have heard that vehicles are susceptible to key fob cloning. The signal can be copied in seconds, allowing thieves to unlock cars, start them, and drive away.
However, police officers warn that a new hack makes Toyota SUVs vulnerable targets of theft. Criminals are using CAN bus hacks to get away with expensive models, like the Land Cruiser and 4Runner.
Basically, a thief accesses the controller area network through the headlight or tail light wiring. It’s the communications system that connects all electronic control units in vehicles.
According to AutoBlog, the devices are disguised as Bluetooth speakers and can be used to inject false messages into the network. This causes SUVs to think that a key fob is present and disables the engine immobilizer.
This unlocks the doors in under two minutes. CAN injection effectively makes the smart key systems useless by exploiting unencrypted communication networks.
But police officers recommend a simple solution. Drivers can enhance their vehicle security with a steering wheel lock. Toyota offers a bright red one for $140. Being visible from the windows helps deter theft. Criminals will know not to waste their time.
It features automotive-grade steel with four-point contact technology. Also, Toyota is working on security enhancements, including a new engine immobilizer. But the details are scarce at the moment. Reportedly, this is to avoid letting criminals know what’s in the works.
