Avast, mateys! Learneth the art of guardin' thy carriage 'gainst thievin' scoundrels. Arrr, savvy?
2023-09-16
Kurt "The CyberGuy" Knutsson doth elucidate diverse methods wherein knaves seek to pilfer carriages, and doth impart guidance on safeguarding thy vessel from such villainous acts.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), car theft is a major issue in the US, with nearly two vehicles being stolen every minute. This translates to approximately 2,736 car thefts per day and a staggering 82,080 vehicles stolen per month. Perry from Germantown, Tennessee is particularly concerned about car theft after one of his employees had their new Ford F150 truck stolen. He asks for advice on how to prevent such incidents and wonders if "The Club" for the steering wheel is still a reliable anti-theft device. In response, the author expresses sympathy for Perry's unfortunate situation and highlights the seriousness of car theft, which can occur through various methods and technologies. The author lists several tactics employed by thieves, such as scanning and copying codes from key fobs, using devices that jam key fob signals, monitoring voltage fluctuations to start the car, and capturing key fob signals from inside a house. To prevent car theft, the author suggests using strong passwords for online accounts and considering a password manager, using a blocking pouch for keyless entry systems, installing a remote car starter, using a smart car alarm, employing a kill switch, keeping AirTags in the vehicle, etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into car windows, and practicing basic security measures like locking doors and parking in well-lit areas. The author also recommends using "The Club" as an effective visible deterrent but advises combining it with other security measures. The article concludes by encouraging readers to provide feedback on additional security measures they would like to see car companies adopt and promoting the author's newsletter for more tech tips and security alerts.