In an age where technology has made our lives easier, it has also created new opportunities for thieves to exploit. One of the most troubling ways criminals are targeting car owners today is through relay attacks. This type of theft involves amplifying the signal from your car key fob, allowing thieves to unlock and even start your car remotely without needing the actual key. However, a simple and cost-effective solution is being shared by former police officers and security experts: wrap your car keys in aluminum foil.
What is a Relay Attack?
A relay attack occurs when criminals use sophisticated devices to intercept and amplify the signal from your key fob. Modern cars rely on keyless entry and ignition systems that communicate wirelessly with your car. The key fob sends a signal, which allows you to unlock your car or start it without physically inserting a key.
However, many vehicles don’t require you to be right next to the car for the signal to work. This can make it vulnerable to relay attacks, where a thief stands near your home or driveway and uses a device to boost the signal from your key fob, which is typically inside your home. This allows them to unlock the car and drive off without ever having to physically touch the keys.
How Does Wrapping Your Keys in Aluminum Foil Help?
Wrapping your car keys in aluminum foil acts as a simple but effective shield against relay theft. The foil works by blocking the signals emitted by your key fob. Essentially, the foil acts as a Faraday cage, which prevents radio waves from passing through it. This blocks the electromagnetic field needed to amplify the signal from the key fob, rendering it useless to thieves attempting to relay the signal.
Here’s why this works:
- Signal Blocking: Aluminum foil prevents the key fob’s signal from being transmitted beyond its physical range. When wrapped tightly, it ensures that the fob cannot send or receive any signals, making it impossible for criminals to intercept the transmission.
- Inexpensive and Easy: The solution is incredibly cheap and easy to implement. All you need is a small piece of aluminum foil to wrap around the key fob. It’s a minimal effort for significant peace of mind.
- Simple Prevention: While more advanced anti-theft systems can be costly, this method is a low-tech, no-cost alternative to reduce the risk of relay attacks.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Car:
While wrapping your car keys in aluminum foil is an excellent start, there are other precautions you can take to further protect your vehicle from theft:
- Use a Signal Blocking Pouch: Instead of aluminum foil, consider purchasing a signal-blocking pouch specifically designed for key fobs. These pouches are made with materials that block signals and are more durable than foil. Some key fob manufacturers sell these pouches as accessories, or you can find third-party versions online.
- Turn Off Your Key Fob: Some car manufacturers allow you to deactivate the wireless functionality of your key fob when it’s not in use. This may involve pressing a button or using your car’s app, but it’s worth checking with your car’s manufacturer to see if this option is available.
- Store Your Keys in a Safe Place: Always store your key fob in a safe, secure location when not in use. For example, placing it in a metal box, a safe, or a Faraday bag can prevent it from being accessed by thieves.
- Use a Steering Wheel Lock: Adding a physical anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel lock, can provide an additional layer of protection. These devices prevent the steering wheel from being turned, making it much harder for thieves to drive away with your car.
- Upgrade to a Smart Anti-Theft System: Modern car security systems often include features like motion sensors, GPS tracking, and remote alerts if someone tries to tamper with your vehicle. Upgrading to such systems can provide a higher level of protection.
The Growing Problem of Car Theft and Relay Attacks
Car theft is not just a problem of the past — it’s evolving with technology. In the UK, for instance, reports of relay thefts have surged in recent years, with thieves making off with high-end cars like Range Rovers, BMWs, and Audis. While car manufacturers have made progress with anti-theft systems, relay attacks remain one of the easiest and most efficient ways for criminals to steal cars without leaving a trace.
This new wave of crime has left car owners and security experts looking for more ways to safeguard their vehicles. As police officers and security consultants are learning more about relay theft methods, they’re sharing their knowledge with the public to help prevent this type of crime.
Conclusion: A Simple Solution with Big Impact
While it may sound surprising, wrapping your car keys in aluminum foil is a straightforward and effective way to protect your car from the growing threat of relay theft. By taking this simple step, you can make it much harder for thieves to target your vehicle. It’s a small investment of time and effort that could save you from the significant cost and hassle of dealing with a stolen car.
With car theft on the rise and criminals becoming more tech-savvy, it’s essential for car owners to stay ahead of potential threats. Whether you use aluminum foil, a signal-blocking pouch, or other anti-theft measures, it’s important to make securing your car a priority. Following this advice from a former police officer could be just the extra layer of protection you need to keep your car safe.
