Mouse Jacking: 8 Top Tips to Prevent Your Car from Theft

Cars are most times pricey possessions. It is more than annoying when someone takes what’s yours without your permission. Also known as stealing, it’s even worse when that thing is your pricey possession. One way thieves can target your vehicle is through a method called Mouse Jacking. This technique can allow criminals to hack into your car’s keyless entry system, giving them unauthorized access. How can you prevent something like that from happening to you? Let’s talk about Automotive Security.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the number of vehicle theft in 2015 rose by 3.1. The statistics also reveal that $4.9 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft, and an estimated 75% of stolen vehicles were automobiles.

From these startling figures, we can deduce that cars hold their attraction for auto thieves. What’s sad about this whole situation is that most of these cars are the products of the blood and sweat of their owners. Unfortunately, theft methods, like Mouse Jacking, are becoming more sophisticated, allowing criminals to bypass traditional security systems and steal vehicles with ease

In light of this revelation, car owners have to step up their efforts to better secure their cars from theft. One such threat that has emerged is mouse jacking, a method that criminals use to steal vehicles by exploiting vulnerabilities in wireless systems. We have compiled a few tips to help you better protect your car(s) from this societal vice.

How are cars stolen?

With electronics, techniques have improved on the side of car manufacturers, but also on the side of thieves. One of the most alarming methods, accounting for 75% of vehicle thefts recorded in 2019, is mouse jacking. This technique involves hacking a car’s electronic security systems to start it without the key, all while bypassing the need to physically break in.

What is mouse jacking?

There are several methods, one of which is “Mouse Jacking.” Key hacking involves creating a relay between an electronic key, wherever it is, and the car it opens. Two boxes can thus respond to each other to extend the signal and open the car without breaking in.

Another technique is that of jamming the signal emitted by your key when you think about locking your car, which leaves it open to thieves. Once your car is free to access, it can be started using a pirate box plugged into the OBD socket (diagnostic socket). The classic theft by breaking and entering, breaking glass, or picking door locks remains relevant today.

How to protect yourself from mouse jacking?

Several possible prevention options concern your car’s OBD socket: lock it in or have it moved and install a dummy one. You can also connect an anti-mouse jacking box to it, which disconnects it and prevents any external connection. If you are a fan of the box, equip your vehicle with a GPS tracker or plotter to locate it after the theft. This method is especially useful in combating the threat of “Mouse Jacking,” a technique where thieves gain access to your car’s systems through the OBD port.

Tips for the Automotive Security Savvy Car Owner

1. Be More Conscious of Your Environment

It’s quite unfortunate most people pay little or no attention to what goes on around them. Well, even a little attention is something, but no attention at all is terrible. Staying aware of your immediate environment is one of the best ways of securing your vehicle, your possessions, and even your personal safety. 

For instance, being mindful of tactics like Mouse Jacking, where thieves use devices to interfere with your car’s keyless entry system, can make a significant difference. Maintaining constant vigilance and observing the activities around you will keep you ten steps ahead of car thieves.

2. Plan Your Route Ahead of Driving

I know it’s not always possible to plan your routes before you drive because, to be honest, most of us like to be spontaneous. In any case, taking the time to know the city or town you live in will help ensure the safety of your car. The same goes for having knowledge of the places you can go and where you shouldn’t. You can’t go wandering off or getting lost in insecure places, especially when considering potential risks like Mouse Jacking. Staying aware of your surroundings can help you avoid dangerous situations and keep your vehicle and belongings safe.

3. Install Car Alarms

In the face of modern technology, not installing a car alarm or recognizing the security importance of car alarms for that matter is very, very unwise. Not only will your car alarm alert you of someone attempting to steal your car, but it’ll also get you alert to suspicious activities in your vicinity. Car alarms also serve as deterrents to auto thieves. Someone driving off with a car whose alarm is triggered is only inviting the authorities and the wrath of well-meaning individuals on themselves. Additionally, without proper security measures, you may become vulnerable to risks like Mouse Jacking, where unauthorized individuals gain control of your car’s systems remotely, putting your safety and property at significant risk.

4. Lock Your Doors At All Times

It doesn’t matter if you’re on the move or driving in the safest part of town, keeping your doors locked every time will keep your car safe from theft and carjacking. Although it’s rare, it happens, and there’s no point in believing car thieves aren’t hardened enough to do it. One lesser-known method thieves use is Mouse Jacking, which allows them to remotely gain control of your vehicle. Do not underestimate automobile thieves, that may very well be your regret as you watch helplessly as your car speeds away.

5. Never Leave Your Key in the Ignition

Walking away – no matter how close the distance is to your car – with your keys in the ignition is a sure way to lose your car to thieves. What you need to understand is that car thieves are more aware of what goes on around them – even more likely than you – and they are ready to act on an instant notice. 

Don’t give them that chance. Whenever you’re walking away from your vehicle, even if you’re in a hurry, be sure to turn off your engine, roll up your windows, get your keys out with you, and lock your doors. Be mindful of threats like “Mouse Jacking,” where thieves can exploit your keyless entry system to gain access to your car. Always take the extra steps to ensure your vehicle is secure.

6. Park your car in secure areas

Pay attention to where you park your car. When possible, park your car in a secure garage that has no public access – this can be your own garage or a company garage that requires a key fob to access it.

When you need to park outside, be selective about where you leave your car. First, look for well-lit areas that might deter a thief. Avoid remote areas where a thief could try to gain access to your car without anyone seeing it. The threat of theft, including techniques like “mouse jacking,” can be mitigated by choosing safer spots. Finally, especially in the case of parking lots, look for locations under a CCTV camera or other security device. The mere prospect of being filmed may be enough to deter a thief.

7. Install other safety devices

In most cases, simple precautionary measures like locking your doors, closing your windows, and parking in safe places will be enough to prevent thieves from breaking into or stealing your car. But for those who want extra protection, there are a few devices you can use.

One potential threat to be aware of is Mouse Jacking, a technique where thieves use a device to intercept your car’s wireless key fob signal. A vehicle immobilizer can prevent a thief from starting your car without the key, which can help thwart both hot wiring and Mouse Jacking. Newer vehicles typically have immobilizers integrated, but you can also purchase aftermarket immobilizers for older vehicles.

Another device that you can buy is a steering wheel lock. This type of device attaches to your steering wheel and immobilizes it until it is unlocked. A steering wheel jam can discourage thieves, as it would be more difficult to steal your car, creating more risk of getting caught.

8. Insure your vehicle correctly

The above seven tips can help you protect your vehicle and belongings, and prevent thieves from leaving with your car. Unfortunately, few precautionary measures are completely foolproof and it is important to have a backup plan. A comprehensive auto insurance policy will ensure that if your car is stolen or damaged, you will be compensated for your loss.

These simple acts can save you a ton of regret later on. Who knows, someone is already watching you and waiting for you to slip up. Do you want your vehicle to be another statistic in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program? No, I don’t think so. Your car is an investment, treat it as such and you can keep it in your family for generations.

Need help securing your home or business? Our team at Alcatraz Locksmith is here to assist with all your locksmith needs. Whether it’s an emergency lockout or a security system upgrade, we’re just a call away!

Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help with all your locksmith needs!