While CAA continues to advocate for updating vehicle regulations, there are solutions available for drivers to better secure their vehicles today. One of them, multi-factor authentication (MFA), is a common process that consumers experience daily when using various digital platforms (financial services or retail apps, for example), and could add security against vehicle theft. The process is simple: The first factor is something the user has, like a key fob, while the second factor is something a user knows, such as a unique code that must be entered to start your vehicle. Some car manufacturers have already begun implementing multi-factor authentication to enhance vehicle security. Also growing in popularity are after-market engine immobilizers. As the name suggests, this is not part of a vehicle’s original equipment but is added after and can provide considerable defense against theft and incorporate multi-factor authentication.

The process of authentication varies by product, but here are some more common approaches:

• Authentication with a personal identification number (PIN) or a code—A driver uses their vehicle’s key fob to start their vehicle like normal, then performs an additional step of using a unique PIN code or sequence on the dashboard console for the car to be operational. So, for example, if thieves intercepted the car’s key fob signal, they wouldn’t be able to get the car in motion without the correct PIN or sequence. Without completing both steps, immobilizers would block the engine from functioning.

• Mobile apps—Some manufacturers have created mobile apps as an additional form of authentication where the driver requires both the key fob and the app activated to start the vehicle.

Because after-market engine immobilizers vary, research is key before having one installed. Some do not interfere with a vehicle’s control area network (CAN) bus system. The CAN bus system is effectively the brain that enables communication with various applications in a car. Immobilizers that do not require the CAN bus system but use existing vehicle features instead help ensure that vehicle function is not disrupted. Installing an after-market engine immobilizer is complicated and is not a do-it-yourself project. That’s why it is recommended that an immobilizer only be installed by a technician authorized by the product manufacturer.

Questions about protecting your vehicle? Email autoadvice@caasco.ca or call 1-866-464-6448 with questions for CAA experts.