Keyless theft (otherwise known as relay theft) is relatively simple; all it requires is two small boxes of electronics, which thieves can use to open your car in as little as 60 seconds. Crooks will typically work in pairs to commit relay theft, with one holding a relay amplifier, and the other a relay transmitter.
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key fob comes within a short-range distance of the car. Keyless theft, also known as 'relay theft', occurs when device is used to fool the car into thinking the car's own remote key fob is close by; this unlocks the car and allows the ignition to be started.
An increasingly prevalent method employed by thieves involves the use of relay devices. In this approach, one thief aims the relay device at the front door of a residence, where proximity keys are often left. The device then transmits the key's signal to an accomplice near the driver's door of the vehicle.
It's certainly possible for thieves to steal your car without the keys, and you're much more likely to be a target of theft if you have a keyless start or keyless entry car.
Keyless theft (otherwise known as relay theft) is relatively simple; all it requires is two small boxes of electronics, which thieves can use to open your car in as little as 60 seconds. Crooks will typically work in pairs to commit relay theft, with one holding a relay amplifier, and the other a relay transmitter.
Yes, keyless entry door locks are safe. They are more secure than traditional locks because it is much harder for someone to guess your code than it is for them to pick a traditional lock.
How far can a keyless car drive without the key? Generally speaking, there's no limit to the distance a vehicle with keyless entry and start can go without the keyfob being in the car. The vehicle will often just beep without the key present.
The figures from LV= show that luxury car makes such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche and Tesla are increasingly affected by keyless theft, accounting for almost half (48%) of all 'theft of' vehicle claims.
Thieves target Kia and Hyundai models that are easier to steal, MPD says. Thefts of two particular car brands are on the rise in Memphis. Kia models newer than 2011 and Hyundai cars newer than 2015 are the primary targets. Experts say they are the easiest cars to steal, but there are ways to discourage thieves.
Yes, thieves may use the methods we listed above to steal keyless cars with start buttons, including signal relaying, signal jamming and key programming.
By storing your car keys, fob or card in an aluminium tin (even grandma's old biscuit tins), or a special signal blocking box, the signal between the car and key is blocked. This means thieves can't intercept it and clone a new one. If you're out and about, then a Faraday pouch is your best friend.
Without the key fob, the thief is stymied. These electronic measures were designed by safety and convenience, but since they are electronic they can--of course--be hacked. These key fobs emit a low energy (LF) unique signal with the vehicle ID to the car that relays to the vehicle that the owner is near.
When at home, storing keys in a metal-lined “Faraday box” or pouch will block the signal being sent out from your key fob, thus preventing thieves from being able to capture it.
Fobs can be cloned with a minimum of effort by anyone with a Linux laptop, a Software Defined Radio (SDR), and a bit of know-how. This type of attack is known as "relay theft", and merely requires a thief to get their equipment to within a few feet of the fob, clone the signal, and transmit it to the vehicle.
Why do I need a Faraday bag? Some keyless entry systems can be vulnerable to keyless theft, also known as relay theft. Car keys with a keyless function constantly transmit a signal that the car recognises as you approach it; when the car recognises the key is close (within a couple of feet), it unlocks itself.
As a result, a car that has not been turned off can spew carbon monoxide into a garage. This carbon monoxide can eventually enter the house and cause serious harm. Since 2006, at least 36 people have been killed by carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a keyless ignition. Dozens more have been injured.
Chances of theft
The layers of security in a keyless system are strong, but hackers are constantly developing newer ways to steal cars. Key programming tools are easily available both online and off, and in the wrong hands, one could reprogram a blank fob to your car's transponder, thus compromising security.
Keyless entry systems can now be hacked by car thieves. In fact, 92% of the vehicles that the UK's Tracker car security service recovered in 2019 had been stolen without the owner's keys being used. This new method of stealing a car is called a “relay attack.”
Yes, it is possible to lock your keys in the car even if it has a keyless entry. If you have ever accidentally left your key fob in the car and shut the door, you know this can happen. The best way to avoid locking your keys in the car is to always check that you have your key fob with you before leaving the car.
Benefits of keyless technology
With some keyless technology, you don't have to worry about that as the car will automatically lock itself once the fob is out of reach. This handy feature eliminates the chance of ever accidentally leaving your car unlocked and unattended.
Typically, a car fob battery should last between three and four years. Additionally, there are a number of signs that will tell you when your fob battery is dying. The first sign is reduced signal strength. Most modern fobs can send a signal to your vehicle from up to 50 feet away.
Keyless entry is faster than manually locking and unlocking the doors. These systems also sense when your fob is present, so you're less likely to lock it inside the vehicle. Depending on the car make and model, it might prevent you from locking the car if the fob is still inside or issue an alert.
Or are they more secure than traditional locks? The answer is that they can be. If a keyless lock means you're more likely to lock your doors every time you leave, less likely to hide a key underneath a doormat, or make tons of extra keys to share that you eventually lose track of, then yes, they can be more secure.
The Bottom Line
With both upsides and downsides to it, keyless entry as a convenience feature is worthy enough if it happens to be a feature that is onboard the vehicle you are eyeing. If you're planning to pay extra just to get the feature, then it is something that can surely be avoided.