Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay crime, is a growing concern for car owners. Understanding Car Key Scanner Protection is now essential to safeguard your vehicle. This article will explore what keyless car theft is, how car key scanners are used, and most importantly, how to effectively protect your keyless entry car from becoming a target.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft and Car Key Scanners
Keyless car theft exploits the technology of keyless entry systems. These systems are designed for convenience, allowing you to unlock and start your car without physically using a key. However, this convenience has created a vulnerability that thieves are exploiting using devices known as car key scanners, or relay devices.
How Keyless Car Theft Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of keyless car theft, often executed using a car key scanner, is surprisingly quick and efficient:
Step 1: Signal Interception with a Car Key Scanner
A thief, positioned near your home or where you typically keep your car keys, uses a car key scanner to capture the signal emitted by your key fob. This scanner acts as a receiver, amplifying and relaying the faint signal from your key.
Step 2: Signal Relay to the Vehicle
The captured signal is then transmitted to a second device, held by an accomplice near your car. This device effectively “relays” the signal, tricking your car into thinking the actual key is in close proximity.
Step 3: Vehicle Access and Ignition
Deceived by the relayed signal, the car unlocks its doors and disarms the immobilizer. The thieves can then enter the vehicle, start the engine with the push-button start, and drive away, all within a matter of seconds.
“Keyless car theft can take as little as 20-30 seconds to execute.”
How Close Do Thieves Need to Be to Scan Your Car Keys?
Car key scanners operate by intercepting the radio frequency signal emitted from your key fob. Thieves typically need to be within a few meters of your keys to successfully capture this signal. This proximity is why understanding car key scanner protection at home and in public spaces is crucial. We will discuss practical methods to block these signals and protect your car keys shortly.
Cars equipped with keyless entry systems are vulnerable to relay theft using car key scanners.
The Speed of Keyless Car Theft
The speed at which keyless car theft can be executed is alarming. From signal scanning to driving away, the entire process can take as little as 20 to 30 seconds. This speed emphasizes the need for proactive car key scanner protection measures.
Devices Used in Keyless Car Theft: Car Key Scanners Explained
The devices used in relay crime are specialized electronic tools designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of keyless entry systems. These car key scanners work by capturing and then re-transmitting the unique signal from your key fob. The technology is readily available, making it accessible to criminals and increasing the risk of keyless car theft.
Determining if Your Car Has Keyless Entry and is Vulnerable to Scanner Theft
Not all cars are vulnerable to keyless car theft via scanning. If your car requires you to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock it, then it is not equipped with a keyless entry system and is not susceptible to relay attacks.
Cars at risk are those with keyless entry systems. These vehicles allow drivers to unlock, enter, and start the car simply by having the key fob in their pocket or bag, without pressing any buttons. Once inside, starting the engine usually involves pressing a button on the dashboard.
Learn more about keyless entry systems
Effective Car Key Scanner Protection: Practical Tips to Secure Your Vehicle
To effectively implement car key scanner protection and prevent your keyless entry car from becoming a victim of relay theft, consider these actionable tips:
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag) for Car Key Scanner Protection
Car key burglaries are unfortunately increasing, making secure key storage paramount. For vehicles with keyless entry, ensuring your keys are protected from scanning is the first line of defense.
Keep your car keys away from doors and windows within your home. The most effective method of car key scanner protection is to store your keys inside a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag. This pouch is designed to block electromagnetic fields, preventing scanners from capturing your key fob’s signal. Remember to use a Faraday bag for all sets of keys, including spares.
Fact: Signal blocking pouches are commonly referred to as Faraday Bags or Pouches, named after scientist Michael Faraday who discovered electromagnetic induction.
Why Faraday Bags are Essential for Car Key Scanner Protection
A signal blocking pouch provides effective car key scanner protection for your key fob.
Signal blocking pouches are lined with metallic materials that create a barrier against radio waves. This prevents car key scanners from reading your key fob’s signal, thus disrupting relay theft attempts.
“A pouch with a metallic lining effectively prevents signals from your remote key fob from being intercepted by unauthorized individuals.” – John Mutch Locksmith
Using a signal blocking pouch is a simple yet highly effective measure for car key scanner protection, neutralizing the primary tool used in relay theft.
Cost-Effectiveness of Signal Blocking Pouches
These protective pouches are surprisingly affordable, often costing as little as £5. Their versatility extends beyond car key scanner protection; they can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals for mobile phones, offering broader digital security.
Guide to Faraday/Signal Blocking Pouches Best Signal Blocking Pouches Guide
2. Disable Your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal for Enhanced Car Key Scanner Protection
Some keyless fobs offer the option to disable their wireless signal, providing an additional layer of car key scanner protection. This feature, if available, can significantly reduce the risk of relay theft.
Check your car’s manual to determine if your key fob has a signal deactivation feature. Instructions for disabling the signal are usually detailed in the vehicle’s manual. If you cannot locate this information, contacting your car manufacturer is advisable.
Wikihow guide on disabling keyless fobs
3. Employ Mechanical Security: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms for Car Key Scanner Protection
Supplementing electronic car key scanner protection with mechanical deterrents like steering wheel locks and car alarms adds a robust layer of security.
Steering wheel locks are a visible and physical barrier, deterring thieves even if they bypass electronic security. Modern car thieves often rely on technology, and a physical lock can be a significant obstacle.
A steering wheel lock serves as a strong visual and physical deterrent against car theft, complementing car key scanner protection.
When selecting a steering wheel lock or other security devices, look for certifications from independent testing bodies like Sold Secure. Sold Secure certification indicates the product has been tested against common criminal tools.
Find Sold Secure approved steering wheel locks
Car Alarms and Insurance Benefits
Installing a car alarm, especially if your car doesn’t have a factory-fitted system, can not only deter theft but potentially reduce your car insurance premiums. Ensure the alarm is insurer-approved for maximum benefit, as alarm quality can vary. Immobilizers, when professionally installed, are also highly effective in reducing insurance costs.
Learn about car alarms and insurance impact
4. Secure Parking: Garage and Defensive Parking as Car Key Scanner Protection Tactics
Parking your car in a garage overnight is an ideal strategy for car key scanner protection. A garage significantly increases the distance between your car and potential thieves attempting to scan your key fob signal.
If garage parking isn’t possible, park defensively on your driveway. Park as close to your house as possible to maximize the distance from the street and potential scanners.
Enhance Home Security for Comprehensive Car Key Scanner Protection
Consider upgrading your overall home security. Installing outdoor motion-detector lighting and CCTV cameras adds an extra layer of deterrence. If street parking is necessary, choose well-lit areas. A local MLA master locksmith can provide a home security assessment and recommend upgrades to enhance your outdoor security measures.
18 Home Security Tips Outdoor Security Advice
5. VIN Etching: A Deterrent Against Vehicle Identity Theft Post-Scanner Theft
Etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or registration number onto your car windows, headlights, and mirrors makes it significantly harder for thieves to resell the vehicle after a keyless theft. VIN etching acts as a deterrent because altering these markings is difficult and costly, reducing the vehicle’s appeal to criminals.
6. Maintain a Tidy Vehicle to Minimize Temptation
While not directly related to car key scanner protection, keeping your vehicle tidy and out of valuables can reduce the overall risk of theft. Hide electronic devices like GPS units and mobile phones, and keep your glove box empty and open to show there’s nothing to steal. Conceal any signs of expensive equipment, such as suction cup marks from GPS devices on your windshield.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys to Prevent Exploitation After Scanner Protection Fails
If you lose your car keys, immediately contact a local MLA auto locksmith. They can reprogram your vehicle’s system to recognize only your current keys, deactivating any lost or potentially stolen keys. This step is crucial in preventing thieves from exploiting lost keys, even if your car key scanner protection measures are compromised.
Reprogram car keys Best ways to replace lost car keys
8. Reprogram Keys When Buying a Used Vehicle for Proactive Car Key Scanner Protection
When purchasing a second-hand vehicle, there’s always a risk that not all key sets are provided. To ensure complete car key scanner protection and overall security, have the car keys reprogrammed. This action prevents previous owners or anyone with old keys from accessing your vehicle.
Reprogramming your car keys adds a layer of security, ensuring only your keys can access the vehicle and enhancing car key scanner protection.
Warning: Car key reprogramming costs can vary, especially through dealerships. Utilizing a certified auto locksmith is often a more cost-effective solution.
Car Models at Risk of Keyless Car Theft and Scanner Attacks
Any vehicle with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay crime using car key scanners. Popular models such as Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been identified as at risk.
The BBC reported on the vulnerability of hundreds of popular car models to keyless theft in their article, Hundreds of popular cars ‘at risk of keyless theft, highlighting research into relay attacks.
View Keyless Cars Tested by ADAC
A comprehensive study by the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) tested 237 keyless cars and found that 230 could be unlocked and started using relay crime techniques, underscoring the widespread vulnerability and the importance of car key scanner protection.
Thatcham Keyless Entry Car Security Ratings
In 2019, Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced security ratings for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay theft.
Keyless Entry Vehicle Models Passing the Car Key Scanner Theft Test (Superior Security)
The following models PASSED Thatcham’s relay attack test and were awarded a ‘Superior’ security rating, indicating robust car key scanner protection features:
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | Pass | Superior |
| BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series | Pass | Superior |
| BMW X6 / X7 | Pass | Superior |
| Ford Puma | Pass | Superior |
| Jaguar XE | Pass | Superior |
| Land Rover Evoque | Pass | Superior |
| Mercedes B-Class | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche 911 | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche Macan | Pass | Superior |
| Volkswagen Passat | Pass | Superior |
Keyless Entry Vehicle Models Failing the Car Key Scanner Theft Test (Poor Security)
Conversely, these models FAILED Thatcham’s relay attack test and received a ‘Poor’ security rating, highlighting deficiencies in their car key scanner protection:
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DS3 Crossback | Fail | Poor |
| Ford Mondeo | Fail | Poor |
| Kia ProCeed | Fail | Poor |
| Lexus UX | Fail | Poor |
| Hyundai Nexo | Fail | Poor |
| Mazda 3 | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota Corolla | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota RAV-4 | Fail | Poor |
| Volvo V60 | Fail | Poor |
Keyless Car Theft and Car Key Scanner Protection: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Placing Car Keys in a Tin Can Block Scanner Signals?
Storing your key fob in a metallic tin might offer some level of car key scanner protection by potentially blocking signal relay attempts. A metallic container can act as a rudimentary Faraday cage, disrupting the signal. However, effectiveness can vary depending on the tin and its shielding properties. Testing the tin’s signal-blocking capability is recommended. For reliable car key scanner protection, a dedicated signal-blocking pouch is the most secure option.
Best Place to Keep Car Keys at Night for Car Key Scanner Protection?
For optimal car key scanner protection at night, store your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday pouch). Additionally, place your keys far away from exterior doors and windows to maximize the distance from potential scanners.
Will Car Insurance Cover Keyless Car Theft?
Car theft payouts reached record highs in 2019, with relay crime suspected as a contributing factor. Most car insurance policies cover theft, including keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you possess all original keys. Always verify your policy details with your insurance provider regarding keyless theft coverage.
Are Car Manufacturers Enhancing Car Key Scanner Protection?
Yes, car manufacturers are actively implementing measures to improve car key scanner protection. Kia, for example, provides Faraday bags to customers. Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced motion sensor key fobs. These “sleeping” fobs deactivate after a period of inactivity, preventing signal scanning.
Are Vans Also Vulnerable to Keyless Theft and Scanner Attacks?
Yes, vans are also susceptible to keyless theft. A rise in keyless van thefts was reported in 2018, with Ford Transit vans being a commonly targeted model. Therefore, car key scanner protection is equally important for van owners.
The Future of Relay Theft and Car Key Scanner Protection
Industry stakeholders are addressing relay theft. Our Managing Director, Steffan George, has engaged with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson and car manufacturers to advocate for stronger action against vehicle thefts. Utilizing a Faraday pouch for car key scanner protection remains a critical preventative measure.
Questions About Car Key Scanner Protection?
If you have concerns about keyless car theft and car key scanner protection, contact us or consult a MLA licensed car locksmith for expert advice in your area.
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