How to Safeguard Your Car Keys Against Signal Theft

As car theft technology evolves, safeguarding car keys from being scanned has become an essential requirement of vehicle ownership.
High-tech thieves have become adept at using signal-boosting devices to intercept key fob signals, allowing them to unlock and start cars remotely.

This method, known as relay attacks, is highly effective yet leaves no visible traces. This article explains why it's necessary to safeguard against scanning devices while providing solutions against signal theft in practice.

Why Protecting Car Keys From Scanners Is Essential

Modern car keys with keyless entry and push-to-start systems are designed for convenience; however, this convenience also creates vulnerabilities that thieves can take advantage of.

Criminals use relay devices to capture and amplify radio frequency signals emitted by your key fob, which they then use to unlock and start your vehicle without needing physical keys.

Insurance companies have reported increased claims related to keyless theft as more thieves exploit it.

Although automakers continue to improve critical fob security for newer vehicles, existing ones remain susceptible; as car owners learn how to block signals and implement protective measures, they can significantly decrease the theft risk.

How Relay Attacks Work and How Thieves Steal Cars

A relay attack is a technique thieves use to extend the range of car key fob signals using relay devices to steal cars more efficiently. Here's an outline of its functioning:

Intercepting the Signal: Thieves will place themselves near a car owner's key fob (in their home or pocket) with an amplifier device to capture and amplify its signal.
Relaying the Signal: Once captured, the signal is transmitted to another device held by an accomplice near the car and relayed back into it; this causes the car to believe that its key is nearby and start searching for it.
Unlocking and Starting the Car: With a relayed signal, thieves can quickly unlock and start the vehicle without using physical keys, enabling them to drive away without activating any alarms.

As the car's system assumes an actual key is nearby, security protocols don't kick in automatically, and relay attacks are undetectable and highly effective. Understanding this process emphasizes the necessity of blocking or disrupting key signals to stop thieves from seizing on them in the first place.

Practical Ways to Keep Car Keys From Being Scanned

Here are several effective strategies for protecting your keys from being scanned by thieves:

First, consider purchasing and using a Faraday bag or pouch. These specialized containers contain materials that block electromagnetic signals, making it impossible for relay devices to capture key fob signals.

They're small, portable, and widely available—ideal for securely storing keys both at home and when traveling. Brands like Mission Darkness and Silent Pocket specialize in high-quality Faraday bags with reliable protection features.

At home, storing keys in a metal box or tin is another effective strategy for minimizing signal theft risk. A metal container's shielded space effectively blocks radio waves that relay devices can intercept.

Placing your keys inside one can provide an easy and cost-effective solution against signal robbery.

If possible, switch off your key's signal when not in use. Some car keys offer a feature that enables users to deactivate the key fob signal manually—this may help deter theft! Check your vehicle manual to see if this feature exists on your key fob model.

Keep keys away from doors and windows to maintain a key-safe home. Placing keys near entry points makes it easier for criminals to pick up on any signals coming into the home from outside; choose an internal location—away from external walls—for safekeeping your keys.

Consider investing in an RFID-blocking critical fob cover. Constructed of signal-blocking materials, these covers fit over your crucial fob to offer continuous protection - an alternative to Faraday bags that is especially practical if you want to keep the cover on at all times.

These steps can help protect your car keys from signal theft and relay attacks, giving you peace of mind.

Recommended Anti-Theft Devices for Key Signal Protection

Beyond practical measures, specific anti-theft devices are designed to safeguard car keys against signal interception, adding another layer of security.

Faraday bags are one of the most popular choices; lined with signal-blocking materials, they prevent relay devices from scanning your crucial fob and relay devices from scanning it as relay devices scan relay devices nearby.

Small and easy to carry, Faraday bags make the perfect storage option at home and when on the move; Mission Darkness and Silent Pocket offer high-quality Faraday bags known for providing optimal signal protection.

Signal-blocking boxes offer a more permanent solution for those seeking to protect multiple key sets or other electronic devices at home. Crafted from metal, these sturdy containers block all incoming and outgoing signals from keys stored within, protecting against potential relay attacks.

Trusted brands like Fort Knox and KeyGuard offer stylish yet secure signal-blocking boxes that seamlessly fit in with home decor.

RFID-blocking key fob covers offer continuous protection without storing the key fob in a bag or box. They feature signal-blocking materials that fit directly over the key fob for seamless protection without additional storage needs.

Multi-layer Faraday cases provide maximum security to those seeking peace of mind. These padded cases, featuring additional signal-blocking layers, provide strong shielding protection for key fobs and other small electronics in high-risk situations. They may be ideal for those prioritizing maximum safety.

Finding an anti-theft device explicitly tailored to your lifestyle and needs depends entirely on you; however, each product has proven to prevent hacks.

Daily Habits to Keep Your Car Keys Safe

In addition to anti-theft devices, simple daily habits can also go a long way toward protecting your car keys from signal theft. At home, make sure they're kept safely stored away from doors or windows where their signal could be intercepted by thieves.

By eliminating entry points, you make it harder for thieves to gain entry and steal your key's signal remotely from outside—an unobtrusive location such as centrally within your house provides an added layer of protection.

When out in public places, keep your keys safe by placing them inside a Faraday bag or other signal-blocking pouch. This preventive measure can be especially effective in areas with heavy crowding, where thieves might attempt to intercept signals by intercepting keys; having your keys inside an impenetrable pouch keeps them protected no matter where they may be found.

Using portable relay devices, keep your keys within easy reach at all times to reduce the chance of theft. Instead, ideally, keep them close by in your bag or pocket, and store your spare key safely at home using signal-blocking boxes. If your device features deactivation functionality, consider turning this feature off to reduce accidental signal transmission risk.

As part of your daily routine, including these habits can provide a strong passive defense against car key signal theft, giving you extra peace of mind without needing to implement complex steps.

Car Scanner Functions | Foxwell

Additional Security Measures to Protect Your Vehicle

While protecting your car key signal is essential, supplementing it with other security measures is even better. One such security measure is installing visible steering wheel locks, which make it harder for thieves to drive away with your car even if they manage to unlock it - providing added layers of defense against theft. Steering wheel locks are inexpensive and easy to use and serve as an effective deterrent against potential theft.

Another essential security measure is installing a car alarm system. If your car doesn't already have one, consider adding one that is sensitive to tampering.

Many modern alarms can detect suspicious activity, like attempts at opening doors or starting up the engine without authorization, deterring thieves while providing prompt notification if an attempted break-in takes place.

GPS trackers can also be an effective means of protecting your vehicle. Concealed within the car, these tracking devices allow for real-time location data that increases the chances of recovering stolen vehicles; some trackers even offer remote disabling options that give you more control of its security.

Always park your vehicle in well-lit and secure areas whenever possible, such as a garage.

Parking in visible, well-lit locations will make your car less attractive to thieves, while locking garages provide another layer of physical protection.

By combining critical fob protection with physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and sophisticated tools like GPS trackers, you can create a comprehensive approach to vehicle security that protects it from modern theft tactics. With this multi-layered strategy, your car should remain safe against modern thieves.

Conclusion

With more sophisticated car theft techniques emerging daily, safeguarding your car keys against scanners has become more essential than ever. Relay attacks that allow thieves to intercept and amplify key fob signals are becoming a more significant worry for car owners with keyless entry systems. By understanding how these attacks work, you can take practical steps to secure them effectively.

Faraday bags, signal-blocking boxes, daily security habits, and additional measures are all ways to lower the risk of signal theft. These protective actions will bring peace of mind while significantly decreasing thieves' chance of targeting your car. By safeguarding both key fob and vehicle proactively, you make it much harder for thieves to succeed, ensuring your car remains secure.

FAQs

How to prevent key fob signal theft?

To prevent key fob signal theft, store your keys in a signal-blocking Faraday bag, metal box, or use an RFID-blocking cover. Also, avoid placing keys near doors and windows where thieves can easily scan the signal.

What materials block car key signals?

Materials like metal, including aluminum and steel, effectively block car key signals. Faraday bags and metal containers use these materials to create barriers that prevent signal interception.

How do you keep car keys safe from thieves?

Keep car keys safe by storing them in a secure location, away from entry points. Use signal-blocking devices like Faraday bags and practice safe habits, such as not leaving keys exposed in public areas.