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Car theft in Australia rises with keyless tech vulnerabilities

As vehicle thefts surge in Australia, NRMA Insurance warns that modern cars, particularly those with keyless entry and advanced digital systems, are increasingly targeted using sophisticated electronic methods. NRMA’s Research Centre highlights that thieves are now bypassing traditional security measures by hacking into onboard diagnostic (OBD) ports or intercepting wireless key signals. To combat these threats, the insurance provider emphasizes the need for enhanced anti-theft devices that can safeguard vehicle data and onboard systems. Effective measures include OBD Port Locks, which restrict unauthorized access during servicing, and Faraday pouches, which block signals from key fobs, preventing remote unlocking or starting of vehicles. The NRMA is also exploring newer technologies, such as fob-sleeping batteries that deactivate when idle, a method already gaining popularity in Europe for securing keyless cars. Despite advances in technology, NRMA stresses the importance of traditional precautions, urging vehicle owners to park in secure locations and store keys out of sight to minimize theft risks. The overall message is a combination of embracing new technologies while adhering to established safety practices to effectively reduce the likelihood of vehicle theft.

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