Modern car keys are marvels of technology — compact devices that unlock and start your vehicle with just the push of a button. But this convenience comes with a hidden vulnerability: keyless entry theft, also known as relay attacks.
The Threat: How Criminals Steal Cars Without Breaking In
Keyless entry systems work by sending a short-range radio signal from your key fob to your car. When you approach, the car recognizes the signal and unlocks automatically. Unfortunately, thieves have found a way to “relay” this signal over long distances.
Using inexpensive devices — sometimes costing under $100 — criminals can capture your key fob’s signal from inside your home, amplify it, and transmit it to another device near your car. The car believes the key is nearby and unlocks. Once inside, the thief can start the engine and drive away, often in less than a minute.
Studies by the German Automobile Club (ADAC) found that more than 100 car models from 30 manufacturers could be opened and started using relay attack methods. The worst part? Many victims had their keys safely inside the house when the theft occurred.
Why Aluminum Foil Works
Wrapping your car key in aluminum foil is a low-tech but effective way to block the radio signals your key emits. Aluminum is conductive and creates a Faraday cage around the key, preventing it from sending or receiving electromagnetic signals.
This method is:
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