Parts of the plot of “Gone in 60 Seconds” may be absurd and as over-the-top as possible, but the title is a bit of a giveaway. The high-tech thieves, who operate car theft operations in several states, actually have a method to steal cars in less than a minute without keys, breaking windows or hot wiring. Instead, they use an electronic device similar to an Autel OBD-II scanner, interfaced with the vehicle’s computer to program a blank key fob.
This information was made available when Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, publicly announced a 15-count federal indictment against the thieves (via KATV). These teams operated in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., stealing a wide variety of vehicles for resale on international black markets. They targeted high-end sports cars like Corvettes and Camaros, as well as incredibly popular vehicles, like the Honda Civic.
The best thing about this method is that there aren’t many protections available against such a thing. Wrapping your car keys in foil can prevent thieves from trying to steal your car when you’re using your regular key fob, via what’s called relay theft, but the Autel tool method is readily available and allows thieves to create their own passkeys. Once vehicles are successfully stolen, they disable GPS, Bluetooth, or tracking technology, swap license plates, and eventually ship them via carriers to compromised ports.
Exactly what type of tool do thieves use?
This “Autel” tool looks like something out of a James Bond movie, but it is an automotive diagnostic scanner, a common tool for vehicle troubleshooting and repairs. They are very useful if you are carrying out repairs yourself. They plug into a standard port available in almost all vehicles called the OBD-II or OBD2 port and come in a wide variety of models, from handheld devices to tablets with more advanced features.
Typically, you use them to read error and information codes shared by the vehicle’s computer to determine when a major part or system is malfunctioning. They can also perform tasks such as clearing these codes, resetting or interacting with other systems, such as checking or testing emission systems, and much more. Autel devices, especially the MaxilM series, like the MaxiIM IM508S and IM608 II, include key programming functions for modern vehicles, which is useful for locksmiths, mechanics and dealerships.
Thieves simply reuse legitimate tools and technologies to steal vehicles. Although several media outlets incorrectly refer to the tool simply as an “Altar”, it is only one brand. There are many other companies that make tools like this, including Innova and Foxwell. The method is undoubtedly clever and sophisticated, and it is frightening how quickly the thieves can do everything. Blink and your car is gone. But in reality, this is not a very high-level hack or a specialized device. Autel’s MaxilM series can be purchased at various retailers for up to $1,400.
Some electric vehicles do not have OBD2 ports
Some electric vehicles do not have a traditional OBD2 port. They may still have a similar diagnostic port, for use with scan tools, but the ODB2 standard was originally created to address emissions systems and emissions controls. Since electric vehicles produce no emissions, such a port is really not necessary. This may be why several electric vehicles are the least likely to be stolen in the United States, in addition to their robust security systems. Electric vehicles without a standardized port would be immune to these types of attacks until tools are created to interface with them.
If your car has an OBD2 port, there may not be much defense, but you can still protect your vehicle with a relatively accessible gadget. Install or place a GPS tracking device separately from what may be offered by the manufacturer or integrated into vehicle systems. Police in Colorado have gone so far as to hand out Apple AirTags to combat car thefts in their area.
Tile trackers also work – and have also been distributed by police. They allow resourceful users to find and identify their vehicles in the event of theft. These tracking tools are quite small, so they are easy to conceal or hide inside the vehicle. You can’t stop the theft, but you can ensure that your vehicle remains safe after the fact and is easily located, provided thieves don’t find and get rid of the tags.