It takes tech to beat tech! To stay one step ahead of the sophisticated technology used by criminal syndicates to target high-end luxury vehicles, automakers must add their own, and Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has introduced upgrades for some of its products.
TSAM’s research and development team, with allies such as the South African Police Services, compiled intelligence about new methods used by criminals to steal cars in SA. The intelligence revealed highly sophisticated cyber-attacks used by thieves to exploit the vehicle’s computer-controlled systems.
The attacks include CAN Attacks, Fob Relaying and a combination of Forced Entry and Key Cloning.
The CAN Attack infiltrates the vehicle’s Control Area Network using highly sophisticated electronic equipment to gain entry and then access the computer system to start the engine.
Fob Relaying means using high-tech receivers and transmitters to remotely read the vehicle’s security key, allowing the attacker to unlock and start the car.
The third, a combination of Forced Entry and Key Cloning, is executed using advanced techniques and equipment to disable the vehicle’s alarm system and clone its security key.
TSAM has developed several measures to mitigate the possible theft of Toyota and Lexus-branded vehicles in the country. These enhancement measures are available at the Toyota dealer network through practical online sessions and bulletins.
In addition, the enhancements have also been reviewed and evaluated by VSS Administration – an independent South African organisation specialising in vehicle security and automotive systems.
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, Leon Theron, says: “We, as Toyota, are committed to developing safe, reliable vehicles and we will continue with our research and development to further enhance our vehicle security systems. I would also like to add that those upgrades will not negate the warranty on their vehicles should they elect to fit an aftermarket security device – if these are installed correctly by a reputable fitment centre.”
Theron urged customers who own the models mentioned below to take them to their nearest dealership for security enhancements from the first week of December. He concluded that new vehicles and those at dealers for service automatically receive these enhancements at no cost to the customer.
Affected vehicles:
• Hilux Legend models from 2019.
• All Fortuner models from 2016.
• Land Cruiser Prado (VX and VXL models from 2017).
• All Land Cruiser 200 with Smart Entry.
• Land Cruiser 300 and all Lexus RX and LX models from 2015.
