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Recently, a couple of car thieves caught in a CCTV footage displayed that the keyless entry system of Mercedes-Benz could be exploited. The crooks were able to drive away with the car in just a minute. The more alarming part of this event though was the fact that devices similar to the ones they used can be easily acquired online. So, how can you prevent this from happening?

In a video shared by West Midlands Police in UK, a car can be seen approaching a parked Mercedes. Then, two hooded figures disembarked from it. One positioned himself beside the parked car and the other was near the house of the victim.

Using identical devices, they were able to unlock the Mercedes and start its engine. One drove off with the Mercedes and the other left using their getaway vehicle.

Watch how the whole Mercedes hacking incident transpired in the video below:

According to authorities, the crooks were using a relay system. The person near the house picked up the signal from the electronic key of the car. The data from the key was then transmitted to the other man who used it to unlock the car’s door. The second phase involved starting the engine of the auto using the same method.

Reports said that similar hacking devices can be easily bought online at Amazon and eBay. ADAC, a German motorists association, conducted a series of tests using the hacking devices against the latest keyless entry systems of popular car brands. They found out that 110 cars from 27 different automakers were at risk.

Security experts and the authorities advised car owners to be vigilant about the latest exploits that take advantage of the technical flaws in keyless entry systems using these methods:

1. Make sure that the software of your car’s computer is updated at all times.
2. Buy an electronic key fob that can prevent your electronic key from transmitting signals when not in use.
3. Use a steering wheel lock.