Mum-of-seven whose keyless car was stolen by hackers warns other owners to stash fobs in the MICROWAVE
Michelle Kenny had no idea thieves had been targeting dozens of models
A MUM-of-seven whose keyless car was snatched from her driveway as her family slept has warned other motorists to stash their hi-tech fobs in the microwave.
Michelle Kenny, 39, had no idea that thieves have been targeting dozens of models by hacking into the keyless systems, until her blue Ford S-Max was nicked over the Easter weekend.
Michelle, who has hip dysplasia and relied on the car, is now urging other motorists to protect themselves by putting their keys in the freezer or microwave overnight.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has said the metal lining of the household items can block signals sent by hackers to unlock cars.
Criminals open cars using an amplifier that extends the unlocking signal up to 300 feet, reaching owner's fobs in their homes.
Michelle, of Coulsdon, south London, said: "I did not know anything about these cars being stolen.
"It was on the driveway, the car was locked and I have both sets of keys, I got up in the morning and it was gone."
The thieves left no glass on the driveway or signs of a break-in leaving Michelle convinced she has been a victim of the sophisticated hack.
Calling for manufacturers to do more to alert buyers of the risks she added: "I think it's quite bad.
"There's nothing you can do to stop someone stealing it but if I had known about it I would have got a steering lock or some extra security.
"I think these car companies should let you know.
"I've heard if you keep keys in the microwave or in the freezer they can't hack them, which I did not know."
Has your car been stolen by high-tech thieves? Call The Sun Online newsdesk on 0207 782 4368 or email emma.lake@the-sun.co.uk
Michelle is also concerned that hackers could have left with more than just her car.
"It's not just cars that are at risk it's contactless cards and passports and they can read all your information from that," Michelle added.
The Sun exclusively revealed that vehicles from 30 manufacturers, ranging from BMW to Peugeot, were unlocked and started using a simple hack in German tests.
Tests by the ADAC – the German AA – tricked the keyless sensor technology into thinking that the vehicle’s owner is nearby with the fob.
BMW 740, Ford Focus RS, Toyota’s Prius and VW Golf 7 GTD are among the car’s affected.