Tradespeople, how does key cloning affect you and your business?
How key cloning could affect you, and how to protect yourself from it.
As a tradesperson, you rely on your tools and equipment to get great work done, but you also rely on the security of your business to continue doing that work. So, what happens if the keys to your van get cloned without your knowledge?
This blog is here to help you understand how key cloning could affect your business, and how you can protect yourself from it.
What is key cloning and how does it work?
Key cloning, also called key hacking, is the process of copying a key without the owner’s knowledge or consent. This can happen in a few different ways.
Modern vans usually come with smart keys which control your vehicle’s lock, the immobiliser, and the alarm. These keys give out a unique digital signal, which can unfortunately be intercepted by thieves.
Thieves can capture your key’s signal by using signal recording devices, or by replicating the signal directly from your key. Then, they can clone a new signal or physical key to enter your vehicle without affecting the security system. The result? Your tools, van, or both could get stolen.
Why is key cloning such a risk for tradespeople?
One of the biggest risks of key cloning is that the resultant theft can lead to lost revenue and added expense if you don’t have the right protection in place. There are several impacts key cloning can have on a tradesperson’s business, including:
1. Financial loss: Without the right protection, replacing stolen tools can be costly, especially if you have a lot of specialised or high-end tools. This financial loss can be particularly challenging for small businesses or self-employed tradespeople who may not have the resources to easily absorb the cost.
2. Disruption to work: When tools are stolen, it could disrupt your ability to complete a job on time. This can lead to delays and lost productivity, which could impact your business’ reputation.
3. Loss of trust: If your tools were stolen at a client's home, the client may worry about the security of their property while the work is being done. Even though it’s not your fault, it could make it difficult to secure future work with that client.
4. Increased insurance costs: Making a claim for a damaged van or stolen goods could affect the price of your insurance, which can add to the overall financial impact of the theft.
5. Psychological impact: Tool theft can be a violation for tradespeople, and it could cause you to feel vulnerable and anxious about the safety and security of your business.
How can you help prevent key cloning?
There’s no need to panic straight away, as protecting yourself from key cloning can be done in various ways. The top on our list is upping your van’s security, but here’s a quick daily check-in most of you will already know:
If you work with a team, you could set out a process for managing keys within your business. You could also keep track of who has access to your van’s keys and ask that they’re returned when not needed.
That isn’t to say sharing your keys with team members would be a risk, but knowing the keys are safe and in the right hands is always good practice.
Increasing your security against key cloning
When it comes to securing your van from thieves, Vanolarm is an ideal one stop shop. Their high-tech security and tracker system is built specifically to help tradespeople fight back against theft, with more security features than other, more expensive van alarms on the market.
The Vanolarm system is built in a way that it won’t be affected by key cloning. This is because the key fob’s signal can’t be intercepted due to how it operates, and the system can’t be disabled using your van’s key. So, if a thief were to clone your van’s key and try to enter your vehicle, all the features of the Vanolarm would still trigger.
Take a look at the Vanolarm features here to see how they compare to other security systems on the market.
Why Vanolarm?
We think Vanolarm is a great fit for you. Which is why we provide a 20% discount on a Vanolarm system + tracker kit for all of our tool insurance customers.
To date, Vanolarm haven’t received a single report of loss from a vehicle protected by an active Vanolarm system. So, we think this level of security will give you the added peace of mind you need, to focus on what really matters in growing your business.
Find out more about how our partnership with Vanolarm could benefit you and your business, and get your tool insurance and Vanolarm discount today.