Here's How Thieves Can Steal Your Car with a Game Boy
Who would have thought that this vintage console could become a criminal's favorite tool?
Over the years, car thieves have evolved their techniques so much so that even a popular childhood toy can be turned into a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. Criminals no longer need to simply force a lock or break a window to get into a car. Nowadays, some criminals are using "vintage" technology to commit their crimes, like the first handheld console from Nintendo.
However, it's not the console itself that is being used, but rather a device known as an emulator. The emulator is then placed inside the Game Boy, making it look like a simple video game console, allowing thieves to walk around with it, without raising suspicion.
These devices have been around for years. They work by touching the car door handle and activating a recognition protocol between the car and the owner's keys. Then, a program in the emulator communicates with the vehicle's software. The device tricks the car into believing that it is a legitimate key by using an algorithm that calculates the correct code. This usually takes seconds to do.
If it takes a bit longer, the thief can keep the device in their pocket and wait for it to vibrate, signalling that it has found and saved the correct code. This device then unlocks the vehicle, allowing thieves not only to open it and steal the belongings inside but also to start the car. It doesn't stop there, once the thief is away from the crime scene, they can disable the GPS and preventing tracking through an app.
In addition to emulators, thieves also use signal repeaters that allow them to copy the key's code by standing a few meters away while the owner unlocks the car.
The Game Boy emulator car hack would primarily work on modern cars equipped with keyless entry and push-to-start systems. This is because the hack relies on exploiting vulnerabilities in the wireless communication between the car and its key fob. To protect your vehicle from this type of theft, consider using a steering wheel lock, disabling keyless entry, and keeping your car's software up to date.