Are you worried about keyless car theft? With the rise of relay attacks, knowing How To Protect Your Key Fob is more crucial than ever. Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay crime, is a sophisticated method where thieves exploit the technology of keyless entry systems to steal vehicles. This article will explain what keyless car theft is, how it works, and most importantly, provide you with actionable steps and expert tips to safeguard your key fob and vehicle.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft: How Relay Attacks Work
Keyless car theft targets vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems. These systems are designed for convenience, allowing you to unlock and start your car without physically using your key fob. However, this convenience comes with a security vulnerability.
The Relay Theft Process Explained:
- Signal Interception: Thieves use electronic devices to capture the radio signal emitted by your key fob. This signal is typically strongest when your key fob is in close proximity to doors or windows in your home.
- Signal Relay: The captured signal is then relayed to another device held near your car.
- Vehicle Deception: Your car is tricked into thinking the key fob is nearby, allowing thieves to unlock the doors and start the engine as if they had the legitimate key.
This entire process can be executed in as little as 20-30 seconds, making it a swift and silent method of car theft.
Is Your Car at Risk? Identifying Keyless Entry Systems
The first step in protecting your key fob is determining if your car has a keyless entry system. If you need to press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is not vulnerable to relay theft. Keyless entry systems allow you to unlock and start your car as long as the key fob is within a certain range, often without even taking it out of your pocket or bag. Once inside, you typically start the engine with a push-button start.
Top Tips: How to Protect Your Key Fob and Prevent Keyless Car Theft
Now that you understand the threat, let’s explore effective strategies on how to protect your key fob and prevent keyless car theft.
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag) for Key Fob Protection
A Faraday bag, or signal blocking pouch, is one of the most effective ways to protect your key fob. These pouches are lined with metallic materials that block electromagnetic fields, preventing your key fob from transmitting its signal.
How Faraday Bags Work:
- Signal Isolation: When your key fob is inside a Faraday bag, the metallic lining creates a barrier that radio waves cannot penetrate.
- Prevents Signal Capture: This prevents thieves from intercepting your key fob’s signal, rendering their relay devices useless.
Benefits of Using a Faraday Bag:
- Affordable: Faraday bags are relatively inexpensive, starting from around £5.
- Versatile: They can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, offering added privacy for your electronic devices.
- Easy to Use: Simply store your key fob inside the pouch when you are at home or in any situation where your car is parked and vulnerable.
2. Disable Your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal (If Possible)
Some keyless fobs have a feature that allows you to manually disable the wireless signal. This can be a highly effective way to protect your key fob when you are at home or in a secure location.
How to Disable Keyless Fob Signals:
- Consult Your Car Manual: Check your vehicle’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate the keyless entry signal.
- Manufacturer Inquiry: If you cannot find information in the manual, contact your car manufacturer or dealership for guidance.
- Button Combinations: Some fobs require a specific sequence of button presses to turn off the signal.
Disabling the signal ensures that even if thieves attempt to use relay devices, there will be no signal to intercept from your key fob.
3. Enhance Physical Security: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
While electronic measures are crucial for key fob protection, physical security devices can provide an additional layer of defense against keyless car theft.
Steering Wheel Locks:
- Visual Deterrent: Steering wheel locks are a visible deterrent, making thieves think twice before targeting your vehicle.
- Mechanical Barrier: They physically prevent the steering wheel from turning, making it extremely difficult to steal your car even if they bypass the keyless system.
- Third-Party Approved: Look for steering wheel locks with “Sold Secure” approval, indicating they have been tested against criminal tools.
Car Alarms:
- Audible Deterrent: Car alarms attract attention and can scare off thieves.
- Insurance Benefits: Installing an approved car alarm can sometimes reduce your car insurance premiums.
- Immobilization: Some advanced car alarms include immobilizers, which prevent the engine from starting without the correct key or disarming sequence.
4. Park Strategically: Garage and Driveway Parking
Where you park your car can also play a role in key fob protection and theft prevention.
Garage Parking:
- Signal Blocking: Parking your car in a garage, especially overnight, adds physical distance and potential signal interference, making it harder for thieves to relay signals from your key fob inside your house.
- Physical Barrier: Garages provide a physical barrier, making your car less accessible to thieves in general.
Defensive Driveway Parking:
- Proximity to Home: If you don’t have a garage, park your car as close to your house as possible. This increases the distance between your car and the street, reducing the window of opportunity for thieves to operate undetected.
- Well-Lit Areas: If street parking is necessary, choose well-lit areas that are more likely to deter criminal activity.
5. VIN Etching for Vehicle Identity Protection
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etching involves permanently marking your car’s windows and headlights with your VIN. This is a less direct method of key fob protection, but it significantly deters theft by making your car less attractive to criminals.
Benefits of VIN Etching:
- Difficult to Resell: Etched VINs make it harder for thieves to sell stolen vehicles or their parts, as the car becomes easily identifiable.
- Reduced Target: Cars with VIN etching are often seen as less desirable targets by thieves who prefer vehicles that are easier to quickly resell or dismantle.
6. Keep Your Car Tidy and Avoid Displaying Valuables
While not directly related to key fob protection, keeping your car tidy and hiding valuables reduces the overall risk of theft.
Minimize Temptation:
- Hide Valuables: Do not leave electronic devices, bags, or other valuables visible inside your car.
- Empty Glove Box: Consider leaving your glove box open to show there is nothing of value inside.
- Remove Suction Cup Marks: Clean any marks left by suction cups from GPS devices, as these can indicate the presence of valuable electronics.
7. Secure Lost or Stolen Keys and Reprogram if Necessary
If you lose your car keys or suspect they have been stolen, immediate action is crucial to protect your key fob and vehicle.
Lost or Stolen Keys:
- Contact a Locksmith: Contact a certified auto locksmith immediately. They can reprogram your car’s system to ensure the lost or stolen key fob can no longer be used.
- Key Reprogramming: Reprogramming removes the lost key from your car’s system, preventing unauthorized access.
8. Reprogram Keys When Buying a Used Vehicle
When purchasing a second-hand vehicle, you cannot be certain that you have received all sets of keys. To ensure your security and protect your key fob, consider reprogramming the keys.
Used Car Key Security:
- Reprogram Keys: Have the car keys reprogrammed by an auto locksmith to remove any keys associated with previous owners.
- Peace of Mind: This measure ensures that only your key fobs can access and start the vehicle.
Car Models at Risk: Are You Driving a Vulnerable Vehicle?
Any vehicle with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft. Popular models like Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been identified as at risk. Studies have shown that a significant number of keyless cars are susceptible to relay attacks.
Keyless Entry Car Security Ratings:
Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced security ratings for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay attacks. Some models have “Passed” rigorous tests and achieved a “Superior” security rating, while others “Failed” and received a “Poor” rating.
Examples of Vehicle Models (Based on Thatcham Tests):
Passed (Superior Security):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model |
|---|
| Audi e-tron |
| BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series |
| BMW X6 / X7 |
| Ford Puma |
| Jaguar XE |
| Land Rover Evoque |
| Mercedes B-Class |
| Porsche 911 |
| Porsche Macan |
| Volkswagen Passat |
Failed (Poor Security):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model |
|---|
| DS3 Crossback |
| Ford Mondeo |
| Kia ProCeed |
| Lexus UX |
| Hyundai Nexo |
| Mazda 3 |
| Toyota Corolla |
| Toyota RAV-4 |
| Volvo V60 |
Note: These lists are based on tests conducted in 2019 and security features may have changed in newer models. Always check the latest security ratings for your specific vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
Q: Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal?
A: Yes, storing your key fob in a metallic tin may block the signal. However, for guaranteed signal blocking, a Faraday bag is recommended as it is specifically designed and tested for this purpose. Test any metallic container to ensure it effectively blocks the signal before relying on it.
Q: Where should I keep my car keys at night to protect my key fob?
A: Store your key fob in a Faraday bag and keep it as far away from doors and windows as possible overnight. This minimizes the risk of signal interception.
Q: Will my car insurance cover keyless car theft?
A: Most car insurance policies cover theft, including keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys. Always verify the specifics of your policy with your insurance provider.
Q: Are car manufacturers taking action to prevent keyless car theft?
A: Yes, many car manufacturers are implementing preventative measures. Some are providing Faraday bags with new vehicles, while others are introducing motion sensor key fobs that deactivate after a period of inactivity.
Q: Are vans also at risk of keyless theft?
A: Yes, vans with keyless entry systems are also vulnerable to relay theft. Ford Transits have been particularly targeted.
Q: What is the future of relay theft prevention?
A: Continued innovation in key fob and vehicle security technology is crucial. Car manufacturers are under pressure to enhance security measures. In the meantime, using Faraday bags and other preventative measures is highly recommended.
Need Expert Advice on Key Fob Protection?
If you are concerned about keyless car theft and want to learn more about how to protect your key fob, contact us or consult with a licensed car locksmith in your area for professional advice and security solutions.
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