Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is a growing concern for vehicle owners. Thieves are using sophisticated technology, often referred to as radio scanners, to exploit keyless entry systems. This article, brought to you by the auto experts at carw.store, will break down how these Radio Scanner Car Keys attacks work and, more importantly, what you can do to protect your car.
What is Radio Scanner Car Key Theft?
Radio scanner car key theft, or relay theft, is a method where criminals use electronic devices, essentially radio scanners, to intercept and amplify the signal from your keyless car fob. These radio scanners trick your car into thinking the key is nearby, even when it’s safely inside your home. This allows thieves to unlock and drive away in your vehicle in mere seconds.
How Radio Scanner Car Keys Attacks Work
Understanding the process of radio scanner car keys theft is crucial to preventing it. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Signal Interception: A thief, positioned near your house (or wherever you keep your keys), uses a radio scanner to capture the signal emitted by your keyless car fob.
Step 2: Signal Relay: The radio scanner then relays this captured signal to a second device held by an accomplice standing near your car.
Step 3: Vehicle Access: This relayed signal fools your car’s system, making it believe the legitimate key is present. The car unlocks, and the ignition can be started, allowing the thieves to drive off.
This entire process using radio scanner car keys technology can take as little as 20-30 seconds.
Distance and Speed of Radio Scanner Car Key Theft
The effectiveness of radio scanner car keys relies on proximity. Thieves typically need to be within a few meters of your car keys to successfully capture the signal. This is why it’s vital to understand how to block your car key signal, which we’ll discuss shortly. The speed at which these thefts occur is alarming; in under a minute, your car can be stolen using radio scanner car keys.
Devices Used: Understanding Radio Scanners in Car Theft
The devices employed in radio scanner car keys theft are essentially sophisticated radio frequency relays. These radio scanners are designed to capture, amplify, and re-transmit the low-power radio signals emitted by keyless car fobs. They are not brute-force hacking tools but rather clever devices that exploit the convenience of keyless entry systems.
Is Your Car Vulnerable to Radio Scanner Car Key Theft?
The first step in protection is determining if your car is at risk from radio scanner car keys theft. If you need to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is likely not equipped with a keyless entry system and is not vulnerable to this specific type of attack.
Cars with keyless entry systems are the targets. These systems allow you to unlock, enter, and start your car simply by having the key fob on your person – in your pocket or bag – without pressing any buttons. If your car operates this way, it is susceptible to radio scanner car keys theft.
Preventing Radio Scanner Car Key Theft: Practical Tips from Car Experts
Protecting your vehicle from radio scanner car keys theft requires adopting a few simple yet effective preventative measures. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag)
A Faraday bag, or signal blocking pouch, is one of the most effective defenses against radio scanner car keys. These pouches are lined with metallic materials that block electromagnetic fields, preventing radio scanners from intercepting your key fob’s signal.
Keep your keyless car fobs inside a Faraday bag, especially when at home and overnight. This simple step ensures your key’s signal is shielded and inaccessible to radio scanner car keys devices. Don’t forget to use a pouch for any spare keys as well.
Faraday bags are readily available and affordable, often costing as little as £5. They offer a significant layer of security against radio scanner car keys attacks and are a worthwhile investment for any keyless car owner.
2. Disable Your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal (If Possible)
Some keyless car fobs offer the option to manually disable the wireless signal. Consult your car’s manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer to determine if your fob has this feature and how to activate it. Disabling the signal renders radio scanner car keys useless as there’s no signal to intercept.
3. Employ Mechanical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
While radio scanner car keys theft is a high-tech crime, traditional mechanical security measures like steering wheel locks remain highly effective deterrents. Thieves targeting keyless entry cars are often equipped for electronic bypasses, but physical barriers can significantly slow them down or deter them altogether.
Similarly, a car alarm system, especially a professionally installed one, can provide an additional layer of protection. The loud alarm can startle thieves and draw attention, making your car a less appealing target for radio scanner car keys attacks.
4. Secure Parking Practices
Where you park your car can also impact its vulnerability to radio scanner car keys theft. Parking in a garage overnight is ideal, as it increases the distance and physical barriers between your car and potential thieves attempting to use radio scanners.
If garage parking isn’t possible, park defensively. On a driveway, park as close to your house as possible. When parking on the street, choose well-lit areas and locations with higher foot traffic to deter opportunistic thieves using radio scanner car keys.
5. VIN Etching: A Deterrent for Resale
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching involves permanently marking your car’s windows and sometimes headlights and mirrors with your VIN. While VIN etching doesn’t prevent radio scanner car keys theft, it makes your car less attractive to thieves as it becomes more difficult to resell or dismantle for parts. Altering or removing etched VINs is time-consuming and increases the risk of detection.
6. Keep Your Car Interior Tidy and Inconspicuous
While seemingly unrelated to radio scanner car keys, keeping your car’s interior tidy and free of valuable items can reduce your risk of becoming a target. Visible valuables can attract thieves, and even if they initially intend to use radio scanner car keys for a quick steal, they might be tempted to break in for visible items if the keyless theft attempt is thwarted.
7. Secure Lost or Second-hand Keys
If you lose your car keys or purchase a second-hand vehicle, it’s crucial to address potential security risks. Contact a certified auto locksmith to reprogram your car’s immobilizer system. This ensures that any lost or previous owner’s keys are deactivated and cannot be used to access your vehicle, even if someone attempts to use radio scanner car keys with those old fobs.
8. Reprogram Your Keys for Peace of Mind
For added security, especially when buying a used car, consider reprogramming your car keys. This ensures that only your current set of keys is programmed to operate your vehicle, eliminating any potential risk from previous owners or compromised keys being used in conjunction with radio scanner car keys techniques.
Car Models at Risk of Radio Scanner Car Key Theft
Unfortunately, any car with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to radio scanner car keys theft. Popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been identified as being at risk.
However, not all keyless systems are equally vulnerable. Organizations like Thatcham Research have conducted tests and developed security ratings for keyless entry systems. Some manufacturers have implemented countermeasures to mitigate radio scanner car keys attacks.
Keyless Entry Cars Passing Security Tests (Superior Rating):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Security Rating |
|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | Superior |
| BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series | Superior |
| BMW X6 / X7 | Superior |
| Ford Puma | Superior |
| Jaguar XE | Superior |
| Land Rover Evoque | Superior |
| Mercedes B-Class | Superior |
| Porsche 911 | Superior |
| Porsche Macan | Superior |
| Volkswagen Passat | Superior |
Keyless Entry Cars Failing Security Tests (Poor Rating):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Security Rating |
|---|---|
| DS3 Crossback | Poor |
| Ford Mondeo | Poor |
| Kia ProCeed | Poor |
| Lexus UX | Poor |
| Hyundai Nexo | Poor |
| Mazda 3 | Poor |
| Toyota Corolla | Poor |
| Toyota RAV-4 | Poor |
| Volvo V60 | Poor |
Radio Scanner Car Key Theft: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal from radio scanners?
A: A metallic tin may offer some signal blocking capability against radio scanner car keys, but it’s not a guaranteed solution. For reliable protection, a Faraday bag specifically designed for signal blocking is recommended. If you choose to use a tin, test it thoroughly to ensure it effectively blocks your key fob’s signal.
Q: Where is the safest place to keep my car keys at night to prevent radio scanner theft?
A: The safest place is in a Faraday bag, stored away from doors and windows. This combination of signal blocking and distance minimizes the risk of radio scanner car keys theft.
Q: Will my car insurance cover theft if my car is stolen using radio scanners?
A: Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover theft, including cases of radio scanner car keys theft. However, insurers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys. Always verify your specific policy details with your insurance provider.
Q: Are car manufacturers taking action to prevent radio scanner car key theft?
A: Yes, some car manufacturers are actively working to enhance the security of keyless entry systems against radio scanner car keys attacks. Measures include motion sensor key fobs that deactivate after a period of inactivity and incorporating more robust signal encryption. Kia, for example, provides Faraday bags to customers. Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced motion sensor fobs on some models.
Q: Are vans also vulnerable to radio scanner theft?
A: Yes, vans with keyless entry systems are equally vulnerable to radio scanner car keys theft. Ford Transits have been reported as a commonly targeted van model.
Q: What is the future of preventing radio scanner car key theft?
A: The automotive industry is continually evolving security measures to combat radio scanner car keys and other forms of vehicle theft. Consumers can expect to see more advanced keyless systems with enhanced security features in the future. In the meantime, utilizing preventative measures like Faraday bags and mechanical deterrents remains crucial.
Have Questions About Radio Scanner Car Key Theft?
If you have further concerns about radio scanner car keys theft or want to enhance your car’s security, contact us at carw.store or consult with a certified auto locksmith in your area for expert advice.
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