How Secure are Cars with Keyless Entry?

The concept of keyless entry cars came about to provide better convenience to car owners and to act as a deterrence against car theft. In this system, as the name indicates, the cars do not require a key for locking and unlocking doors or starting the car engine. Instead of a key, there is an electronic device known as a key fob. It emits a low-frequency electronic signal that the car’s computer system picks up and responds to. It will unlock the car as you approach it and lock as it you step away. Without the key fob, the car will not start. So, are cars with keyless entry secure? When keyless entry cars first came on the scene, they negated the old car theft methods. It was impossible to pick the locks of vehicles that did not have keys in the first place. Unfortunately, when technology develops, unscrupulous people also develop methods to counter it. There have been corresponding advances in theft technology, which means, no, cars with keyless entry are no longer as secure as they once were. How are keyless entry cars stolen? An increasingly common method for stealing cars with keyless entry is known as a relay attack. It involves using portable devices that can relay electronic signals. The car thieves will work in pairs, with one person standing close to the car owner’s house with a relay device and the other standing near the car with the second relay device. The first relay device will pick up the electronic signals from the key fob inside the house and transmit these signals to the second device. The car computer will detect these signals from the second device and get tricked into thinking that the key fob is nearby. It will unlock the car doors, and then it is a simple matter for the car thieves to get it, push the start button, and drive the car away. Such thefts have become so common in recent times. What can you do to protect your keyless entry car? To secure your keyless entry car from these types of relay attacks, you can take the following precautionary measures: Do not keep the key fob out in the open Relay devices can pick up signals through walls, doors, and windows. So, you need to store the key fob in a location from which it cannot send off signals so easily. If you place it far away from doors and windows, it can weaken the signal. It will also prevent someone from reaching in and snatching it. Store the key fob in a signal-blocking location To entirely block the signals from detection, consider keeping the key fob in a metal box or a Faraday pouch. Placing the key fob in the refrigerator may also work, but it is not advisable as its interior environment could destroy the lithium batteries. Some experts suggest putting the key fob in the microwave, but you must take care not to turn it on while the key fob is still inside. If your key fob has the option of disabling the wireless signals, you can also turn it off as a safeguard. Invest in a steering wheel lock A visible steering wheel lock may deter would-be thieves even if they manage to open your car doors. With the steering wheel lock in place, they cannot drive the car away. And it can be difficult and time-consuming to break it, which can increase their risk of discovery. They may not consider the effort worth it. Install security alarms and CCTVs Advanced CCTVs have motion detection capabilities and can send notifications to your cellphone. Potential thieves may steer clear of your vehicle if they notice that CCTVs are monitoring the surroundings. For additional safeguards, install loud security alarms that will go off if anyone tries to break into the car. Do not store valuables in your car Do not keep valuables where would-be thieves can easily see them. For instance, do not place money, jewelry, watches, smartphones, sunglasses, and wallets on the dashboard. You should also avoid leaving laptops, tablets, bags, and other expensive items on the seats. Store them out of sight or take them with you.