The Sinister Trick That's Making Your Key Fob a Goldmine for Thieves
In today's world, cars are more high-tech than ever. With key fobs and keyless entry systems, you can unlock your car and start it without ever taking the key out of your pocket. But while these innovations make life more convenient, they've also created a new avenue for thieves to exploit. Here's how crooks use your key fob to steal your car — and what you can do to protect yourself.
Key Fob Hacks: Easier Than You Think
You've probably heard stories about car thefts on the rise, but did you know that modern thieves are getting crafty with keyless entry systems? It turns out that a thief doesn't even need to break your window or hotwire your vehicle to make off with it. Instead, they only need two key tools: a relay device and your key fob's signal.
Key fobs work by signaling your car to confirm that you are nearby and authorized to drive it. The problem is that thieves can intercept and duplicate these signals using a special signal amplifier. The thief simply stands outside your home (or near your car, if it's parked somewhere), and the amplifier picks up the signal from your key fob, which could be inside your house or in your purse. Once the signal is captured, the thief can unlock your car and start it without ever touching your actual key.
Keyless car theft has become so common that some experts call it the most sophisticated crime trend in car theft today. Thieves are no longer breaking into cars — they're hijacking the communication system itself — and they can do it in less than a minute!
The 'Relay Attack': How Does It Work?
Here's the scary part: most car owners have no idea that their key fob is constantly broadcasting a signal. Even when you're inside your home, your fob is actively communicating with your car, telling it, "I'm here. You can start now." Thieves are taking advantage of this constant, unprotected signal.
A relay attack occurs when a criminal uses a small, portable relay device to capture the signal. The device can amplify the signal from your key fob and transmit it to your car. This trick allows the thief to unlock the doors and, in many cases, start the engine — often before you even realize your car is gone.
In some reported cases, thieves have used relay attacks to steal high-end vehicles, including luxury models from BMW®, Audi®, and Range Rover®. In the U.K., keyless car thefts rose by 50% over just a few years, with many of these thefts happening in broad daylight.
The Tinfoil Trick
So, what can you do to stop thieves from hacking your key fob? Fortunately, there's a simple, inexpensive way to prevent this kind of theft — and it might be easier than you think.
One of the best solutions to protect your key fob's signal is to block it — and you don't need to buy expensive security devices to do it. A simple piece of aluminum foil can be your best friend in this battle. By wrapping your key fob in foil when it's not in use, you can block the signal from being intercepted by relay devices.
This works because aluminum foil creates a Faraday cage around your fob, blocking any wireless signals from escaping or being received. This prevents relay thieves from picking up the signal when you’re not using the fob. Think of it as a protective shield for your keys, and it's incredibly easy to do — just wrap the fob in foil and tuck it into your bag or drawer.
If you're not into the idea of wrapping your fob in foil, there are also Faraday pouches you can buy. These pouches are designed specifically to block signals from your key fob, preventing any unauthorized access to your car.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Car
While wrapping your fob in foil is a significant first step, there are other measures you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a target:
Store your key fob in a safe place: When you're home, avoid leaving your key fob near your front door or windows. The closer the fob is to the outside of your house, the easier thieves can capture the signal. Keep it inside a secure drawer or closet.
Turn off your key fob's signal: Some newer vehicles have an option to disable the key fob's signal when not in use. Check with your car manufacturer to see if this feature is available.
Use a steering wheel lock: While it may seem old-fashioned, a steering wheel lock is still one of the most effective ways to deter thieves. It's a visible deterrent that adds an extra layer of security.
Consider a GPS tracker: Installing a GPS tracking system on your car can help authorities locate it quickly if it's stolen. Many modern tracking devices can send alerts to your phone, so you'll know if your vehicle is on the move.
Don't Let Your Car Be the Next Target
Keyless entry systems have made our lives easier, but as technology evolves, so do car thieves' tactics. Relay attacks and signal hijacking are real threats, but with a little preparation and awareness, you can prevent your vehicle from being the next target.
By following these simple steps — like wrapping your fob in aluminum foil or investing in a Faraday pouch — you can keep your car secure and sleep easier at night, knowing your keys are safe from prying hands.
Remember, when it comes to car theft, it's not just about locking your doors anymore. It's about outsmarting the thieves with a little ingenuity and common sense. Stay one step ahead and protect your vehicle from high-tech criminals looking to steal your ride.
References: The Sneaky Way Thieves Are Targeting Your Car-Key Fob | Could you get "carhacked"? The growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts and how to protect yourself
