Modern vehicles are designed for convenience. Keyless entry and push-button start systems now come as standard on many models, allowing drivers to unlock and operate their car simply by being nearby with a fob. But while these systems reduce the need to look for keys, they have introduced the growing vulnerability of car theft without force. Increasingly, sophisticated criminals are using widely available electronic devices to exploit these systems and steal cars silently, in seconds.
The most common method is known as a relay attack. It involves two people working together with signal amplifiers. One stands near the vehicle, while the other positions themselves close to the location of the key – even while it’s still inside the owner’s home. The signal emitted by the key fob, which is designed to be detected when nearby, is captured, boosted, and relayed to the car. Believing the key is close, the car unlocks and allows the engine to be started. This is a quiet, efficient theft that can be completed in under a minute.
Another technique involves interfering with the signal when a driver locks their vehicle, preventing it from securing properly. Once inside, criminals can access the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port, often located under the dashboard. This allows them to programme a blank fob and drive away as though they owned the car. These tools and techniques are no longer reserved for experts – they are openly sold online and require little technical knowledge to operate, making them a serious concern for everyday motorists.
Particularly at risk are vehicles without updated software or enhanced security features such as motion-sensitive fobs or immobiliser upgrades. Even newer models can be vulnerable if they haven’t received recent firmware updates from the manufacturer. And while some cars have introduced measures to limit signal transmission when keys are stationary, many drivers remain unaware of these features or don’t use them.
The good news is that there are practical ways to reduce the risk. Storing key fobs in a Faraday pouch or box blocks their signal entirely, rendering relay attacks ineffective. Parking in a garage, using visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, and installing GPS tracking systems are all sensible precautions. Some drivers are also choosing to fit aftermarket immobilisers that require a PIN entry via dashboard controls – a simple measure that adds significant protection.
As with many advances in automotive technology, there is an ongoing race between innovation and exploitation. Keyless systems offer genuine benefits in daily use, but without proper security layers, they leave vehicles exposed. A combination of awareness, habit, and technology is essential for staying one step ahead of opportunistic and organised theft. Clearly, convenience should not come at the cost of security – and with keyless entry, both can be achieved when the right measures are in place.